ABSTRACT

Hypothermia is a common problem in anaesthetized patients and an important risk factor for mortality and morbidity. Our aim was to identify the incidence of hypothermia in our operating theatres. We also aimed to find the circumstances to which hypothermia could be related.

After obtaining the ethics committee approval and informed patient consent, patients with operation times longer than 30 minutes were included into the study for a one month period. Demographical data of the patients, type and duration of surgeries, temperatures measured pre and postoperatively from the tympanic membrane with an infrared thermometer were recorded. Temperatures below 35°C were accepted as hypothermia.

A total number of 564 patients were enrolled to the study (305 women and 259 men). The ages of patients varied from 1 month to 84 years (mean 38.5±20.7). Hypothermia incidence was calculated as 45.7%. When the factors related to hypothermia were considered, age, type and duration of surgery and amount of fluids administered were found to be significant contributors to the development of hypothermia (p<0.05).

Postoperative hypothermia is a common problem in our clinic. Therefore, we suggest that temperature monitoring and patient warming should be a routine procedure during anaesthesia management.

Keywords: Thermoregulation, postoperative, hypothermia, temperature