Predictive Value of the STOP-BANG Questionnaire for Perioperative Hypoxaemia: A Cohort Analysis

Dr Karupothu Rani, Dr Bhavika Borugadda

Abstract: Background: Perioperative hypoxaemia is a common and potentially serious event after general anaesthesia. Patient factors such as obesity, increasing age, and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) raise this risk. The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a validated, simple tool for OSA screening and may help predict perioperative hypoxaemia. Aim: To evaluate whether perioperative hypoxaemia (SpO₂ < 92 %) can be predicted using the STOP-BANG questionnaire in adults undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study of 100 adults (20?60 years) scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia was performed. Demographic data, BMI, Mallampati grade, and STOP-BANG scores were recorded pre-operatively; intra- and postoperative oxygen saturations were monitored for 48 h. Hypoxaemia was defined as SpO₂ < 92 %. Statistical analysis used X² and t-tests; p < 0.05 was significant. Results: Thirty-three (33 %) patients developed perioperative hypoxaemia. The mean STOP-BANG score was 3.8 ± 1.0 in hypoxaemic and 2.4 ± 0.9 in non-hypoxaemic patients (p < 0.001). Age, BMI, Mallampati grade, and neck circumference were significant predictors; surgical type and anaesthetic technique were not. The STOP-BANG score showed 80.8 % sensitivity and 30 % specificity. Conclusion: The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a sensitive, non-invasive tool for identifying patients at risk of perioperative hypoxaemia (SpO₂ < 92 %). Its modest specificity supports its use as a screening-not diagnostic-instrument. Integrating STOP-BANG into pre-anaesthetic evaluation can improve perioperative safety through targeted monitoring and oxygen therapy.

Keywords: STOP-BANG, Perioperative Hypoxaemia, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, General Anaesthesia, Postoperative Complications

How to Cite?: Dr Karupothu Rani, Dr Bhavika Borugadda, "Predictive Value of the STOP-BANG Questionnaire for Perioperative Hypoxaemia: A Cohort Analysis", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1713-1714, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251030224533, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251030224533