The effect of irrigation fluid temperature on core body temperature in arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between irrigation fluid temperature and core body temperature in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Twenty-four consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression were allocated to receive irrigation fluid at either room temperature (22 degrees C) or warmed to 36 degrees C. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in any of the preoperative parameters. Core temperature was monitored throughout surgery. The maximum drop in core temperature for each patient was calculated. The mean maximum drop in the room temperature group was 1.67 degrees C (95% CI 1.33-1.97) and 0.33 degrees C (95% CI 0.17-0.49) in the warmed fluid group (P < 0.001). Further to this the drop in core temperature in the room temperature group was maintained throughout surgery whereas normothermia resumed by 30 min in the warmed fluid group. We thus conclude that core temperature may be influenced by irrigation fluid temperature and recommend that fluid be warmed to 36 degrees C.