“Is anesthesia risky for a sleep apnea patient?”

OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) adds additional risk to general anesthesia. If the procedure could be done under regional block, it's safer. If there's no other choice, don't worry. Anesthesiologists are prepared for all scenarios. Probably should take more time in the recovery room. Sometimes in major surgeries they prefer assistant ventilation or devices like cpap to help. You probably will be in ICU post-op.

Yes, it is more risky for a patient with sleep apnea to undergo an anesthetic, especially if they are untreated for sleep apnea. However, if he has a CPAP machine, he should take it with him for post-anesthesia.  

In general, anesthesia is safer than driving your car down the street. Sleep apnea increases your risks of adverse events and outcomes, but not exactly related to the anesthesia itself. People who have sleep apnea can have more difficult airways to manage, thus increasing the risks of anesthesia. As well, if you are needing opioids to control pain postoperatively, sleep apnea increases the risks of having an event related to excessive sedation or obstruction. The type of surgery and postoperative pain medication requirements play a role.

The bottom line is that risks are increased with sleep apnea, and it’s important to let your anesthesia team know that you have sleep apnea.