Abstract
We have evaluated the efficacy of new electric warming blankets, which meet the requirements of the international standard for perioperative electrical and thermal safety, in preventing intraoperative hypothermia. We studied 18 patients undergoing abdominal surgery, allocated to one of two groups: in the control group, there was no prevention of intraoperative hypothermia (n = 8) and in the electric blanket group, two electric blankets covered the legs and upper body (n = 10). Anaesthesia duration was similar in the two groups (mean 201 (SEM 11) min), as was ambient temperature (20.5 (0.1) degrees C). Core temperature decreased during operation by 1.5 (0.1) degrees C in the control group, but only by 0.3 (0.2) degree C in the electric blanket group (P < 0.01). Five patients shivered in the control group compared with one in the electric blanket group (P < 0.05). We conclude that cutaneous warming with electric blankets was an effective means of preventing intraoperative hypothermia during prolonged abdominal surgery.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
