ABSTRACT

Amino acids attenuate hypothermia during the perioperative period by increasing thermogenesis and stimulating energy consumption. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) induces profound hypothermia owing to the use of large volumes of irrigating fluids. The role of amino acids in this group of surgeries for hypothermia and shivering prevention has been evaluated in this study because there is no available literature of concern.

This prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing PCNL. Group A received amino acids at 60 mL h-1 an hour before surgery until the end of surgery. Group C received normal saline infusion. Perioperative nasopharyngeal temperature, haemodynamics, and postoperative shivering were recorded.

Although there was no significant difference in temperature in the intraoperative period, postoperative decrease in the temperature was less in the amino acid group. In the postoperative period, 2 patients in the amino acid group and 11 patients in the control group experienced shivering.

Intravenous administration of amino acids attenuated postoperative hypothermia and reduced shivering in patients undergoing PCNL without any adverse effects.

Keywords: Amino acids, hypothermia, nephrolithotomy, percutaneous