Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the association between sociodemographic, clinical, operative and environmental characteristics with hypothermia events, measured intraoperatively by tympanic and temporal thermometers in adult patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery with visceral exposure. Method: prospective quantitative, correlational, observational study. Data were collected by means of structured instrument containing the variables: age, Body Mass Index; American Society of Anesthesiologists class; type of anesthesia; time of surgery; tympanic and temporal temperature; temperature and relative humidity of the surgical room. Temperatures were assessed by methods of tympanic and temporal measurement in 63 patients. The data analysis sought an association between hypothermia and patient characteristics, type of anesthesia, surgical environment, according to the method of measurement and surgical time. Results: Among the 63 patients, 15 (23.8%) had hypothermia. Of the total (n=15; 100%) number of hypothermic patients, 13 (80%) had mild hypothermia. Moderate hypothermia was identified only by temporal thermometry in three (20%) patients. Severe hypothermia was not identified, and in two (13.3%) patients the hypothermia was identified only by temporal thermometry. Hypothermia had a statistically significant association only with age (p=0.0027) and sex (p=0.015), when measuring tympanic temperature. Conclusion: Only sex and age showed correlation with hypothermia during surgery measured by tympanic thermometry; no variable influenced hypothermia measured by temporal thermometry.
Highlights
Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature below 36oC, and when this occurs during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period, it is called perioperative hypothermia
This study demonstrated that body mass index (BMI) did not interfere with hypothermia
No variable showed an influence on hypothermia when temporal thermometry was used
Summary
Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature below 36oC, and when this occurs during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period, it is called perioperative hypothermia This is a common problem and usually under diagnosed, as temperature monitoring remains an underused practice.[1]. Heat loss may occur in patients undergoing surgery with greater exposure of cavities and central organs,[3] such as abdominal surgery with visceral exposure, which is studied in this research In this type of surgery, which is usually extended, lasting more than 30 minutes, there is a greater possibility of decreasing temperature at the end of the procedure.[4] The concern with the development of intraoperative hypothermia exists especially in patients undergoing major surgery, which require long periods of anesthesia.[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
