Preoperative assessment mnemonic

Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea before surgery

The mnemonic

STOP-BANG

What each word stands for

  • SSnoring loudly
  • TTired in the daytime
  • OObserved apnoea during sleep
  • PPressure — high blood pressure, treated or untreated
  • BBMI above 35 kg/m²
  • AAge above 50 years
  • NNeck circumference above 40 cm
  • GGender male

Why it matters clinically

A score of 3 or more suggests high risk of OSA and difficult airway and post-operative respiratory events.

Where it stops being reliable

A screening tool only; the diagnosis needs a sleep study.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Preoperative assessment mnemonic?

STOP-BANG. It helps you recall: Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea before surgery.

What does "S" stand for?

Snoring loudly

What does "T" stand for?

Tired in the daytime

What does "O" stand for?

Observed apnoea during sleep

What are all the parts of the STOP-BANG mnemonic?

S: Snoring loudly; T: Tired in the daytime; O: Observed apnoea during sleep; P: Pressure — high blood pressure, treated or untreated; B: BMI above 35 kg/m²; A: Age above 50 years; N: Neck circumference above 40 cm; G: Gender male.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Preoperative assessment in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A screening tool only; the diagnosis needs a sleep study.

How is this useful clinically?

A score of 3 or more suggests high risk of OSA and difficult airway and post-operative respiratory events.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Preoperative assessment.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.