Work

Unintended perioperative hypothermia.

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature less than 36°C (96.8°F), is a relatively common occurrence in the unwarmed surgical patient. A mild degree of perioperative hypothermia can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A threefold increase in the frequency of surgical site infections is reported in colorectal surgery patients who experience perioperative hypothermia. As part of the Surgical Care Improvement Project, guidelines aim to decrease the incidence of this complication. METHODS: We review the physiology of temperature regulation, mechanisms of hypothermia, effects of anesthetics on thermoregulation, and consequences of hypothermia and summarize recent recommendations for maintaining perioperative normothermia. RESULTS: Evidence suggests that prewarming for a minimum of 30 minutes may reduce the risk of subsequent hypothermia. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of body temperature and avoidance of unintended perioperative hypothermia through active and passive warming measures are the keys to preventing its complications.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Stuart R Hart, Brianne Bordes, Jennifer Hart, Daniel Corsino, Donald Harmon

Institutions: Ochsner Medical Center, Louisiana State University, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans

Language: English

Topic: Thermal Regulation in Medicine

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2180431860

FWCI: 4.052

Cites: 108

Cited by: 149

Related to: 10