La cirugía bariátrica, pérdida de peso y el síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño: una revisión narrativa

Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in the obese population and is an independent factor that increases cardiovascular risk and mortality. Weight loss improves various indicators of the severity of this risk. In cases where bariatric surgery is performed as a treatment for obesity, benefits for this disease are also documented. Bariatric surgery reduces the frequency of apnea episodes, improves blood oxygenation, and enhances sleep quality. Since OSA is a cardiovascular risk factor, its presentation in patients with obesity should be monitored, even after surgery. Materials and methods. A narrative review of the literature was conducted to identify high-quality scientific evidence on the effect of bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, aiming to update this topic. Results. Overweight and, especially, obesity are risk factors for the development of OSA, so different aspects related to its appearance in adults are explored. The review of factors in children is beyond the scope of this review. Discussion. Weight loss has been shown to have positive effects on OSA. When the body mass index exceeds 35 kg/m², bariatric surgery is indicated for achieving and maintaining effective and sustained weight loss. There is scientific evidence that supports the notion that OSA patients undergoing surgery show significant improvement in sleep quality, the number of nocturnal apnea events, and blood oxygenation. Conclusions. OSA is a complex clinical entity that frequently occurs in patients with obesity. It’s presentation poses an increased risk of cardiovascular events and leads to a deterioration in quality of life. There is scientific evidence showing the benefits of bariatric surgery on OSA, including reduced rates of apnea-hypopnea, apnea events, improved sleep quality, and enhanced blood oxygenation.