Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Preoperative identification of sleep apnea risk in elective surgical patients, using the Berlin questionnaire
Frances Chung1, Barnaby Ward, Joyce Ho
1Department of Anesthesiology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8. frances.chung@uhn.on.ca <
Study Objective:
To examine the prevalence of risk of sleep apnea in patients undergoing elective surgery by using the Berlin Questionnaire.
Design:
Survey instrument.
Settings:
Preoperative assessment clinic.
Patients:
305 surgical ASA physical status I, II, III, and IV patients.
Interventions:
Patients were screened with the Berlin questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea. For patients deemed at high risk of sleep apnea by the Berlin questionnaire, a letter was sent to their family physician requesting referral of patient to have an overnight polysomnography test for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.
Measurements:
The number of patients identified by the Berlin questionnaire as being at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea was identified. The number of patients with a history of obstructive sleep apnea and those newly confirmed by polysomnography were also identified.
Main Results:
The Berlin questionnaire identified 24% (73/305) of patients as being at high risk of sleep apnea (95% confidence interval, 19%-29%). Thirteen patients were confirmed to have obstructive sleep apnea, resulting in a frequency of 4.2%; 9 patients had a history of obstructive sleep apnea, and 5 patients were identified by polysomnography.
Conclusions:
The Berlin questionnaire correctly identified all patients previously diagnosed with sleep apnea as being at high risk.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management