Peroperative hypothermia prevention

Abstract

Peroperative thermal losses were studied in 28 patients (mean age 64 years) operated for a total hip prosthesis under controlled hypotension. The patients were split into four groups according to the method of hypothermia prevention used: reflective blanket, heating humidifier of inhaled gases, combination of both techniques or no prevention at all. The thermal loss was quicker and more intense in the last group. The superiority of one prevention method over another could not be demonstrated, but the urgency of its implementation proved to be essential.