Abstract

GUTIERREZ, Sergio  and  BAPTISTA, William. Hipotermia postoperatoria inadvertida en la Sala de Recuperación Post Anestésica del Hospital de Clínicas "Dr. Manuel Quintela". Anest Analg Reanim [online]. 2006, vol.21, n.1, pp.2-10. ISSN 1688-1273.

Summary Unintentional hypothermia is associated with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of postoperative hypothermia (core temperature (Tc) <36ºC) and to identity predictor factors to categorized it. We analyzed 313 elective surgical patients and factors such as: age, nature of surgical procedure, anesthetic technique and stay in the operating room (SO). At admission in Post Anesthetic Recovery Room (SRPA) , the hypothermia incidence was 67%. Twenty percent had Tc less than 35ºC, 24% were still with hypothermia when they left the recovery room. These outcomes are the same as in the international studies in anesthetized patients without active warning equipment. There were no statistical differences between several groups, except for higher degree of hypothermia in Regional Anesthesia (AR) Vs General Anesthesia (AG) (p=0.042) Prolonged hypothermia was seen in patients older then 65 years, those whom stayed greater than 3 hours in the operating room and those who had general anesthesia. Unadvertised postoperative hypothermia has a great incidence in our Department. It is difficult to predict whose patient will develop hypothermia and its different degree of severity, so it is essential for us to adopt active warning techniques and Tc monitoring during the preoperative period

Keywords : Unadvertised hypothermia; Postoperative hypothermia; Core temperature.

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