Approximately 50% of all surgical patients experience hypothermia during surgery. Unintentional perioperative hypothermia may be caused by low ambient temperatures in the operating room, an open exposed wound, administration or use of cool fluids, or general anesthesia. Patients may experience the systemic effects of hypothermia for several days after surgery that can affect their recovery and length of hospital stay.

This presentation will discuss:

• the causes of unintentional perioperative hypothermia
• the effects of pre-medication and anesthesia on the body’s ability to maintain normothermia
• the complications associated with hypothermia and
• the effectiveness of different methods to maintain normothermia.