[Value of reflecting disposable insulation (Thermodrape) in preventing perioperative hypothermia]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of reflecting disposable insulation for the prevention of perioperative hypothermia.

Methods: After approval by the local ethics committee 36 patients undergoing long lasting urological intraabdominal surgery were studied. Anaesthesia was performed using etomidate, fentanyl, midazolam, pancuronium and succinylcholine. Patients were randomly assigned to 4 groups. These groups were treated as follows: Gr. 1: Infusion warmer (Hotline HL-90 with System L-70, Level 1 Technologies Inc., Marshfield, USA) and standard O.R. draping with two layers of cotton drapes. Gr. 2: Infusion warmer and reflecting disposable insulation (Thermadrape, O.R. Concepts Inc., Roanoke, USA) covering the legs, upper body, arms and head. Gr. 3: Infusion warmer and convective air warming with upper body blanket (WarmTouch, Mallinckrodt Medical, Hennef/Sieg, Germany). Gr. 4: Infusion warmer, convective air warming and reflecting disposable insulation.

Results: After 2 hours of surgery patients of groups 1 and 2 became hypothermic with core temperatures of 35.1 and 35.6 degrees C respectively. No relevant difference could be found between the two groups. The combination of an infusion warmer and convective air warming was an effective method to prevent hypothermia in groups 3 and 4. After 2 hours of surgery these patients had core temperatures of 36.6 and 36.4 degrees C respectively. Reflecting disposable insulation did not improve the effect of convective air warming.

Conclusion: Reflecting disposable insulation was insufficient in the investigated operative setting.