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Covering the head and face maintains intraoperative core temperature
K Kamitani1, A Higuchi, T Takebayashi
1Department of Anesthesia, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital, Nishinagae, Toyama City, Japan.
Purpose:
To determine the effect of covering the patient's head and face on the prevention of intraoperative hypothermia (<35.5 degrees C).
Methods:
This randomized, prospective trial included 44 adults undergoing elective abdominal surgery. After the induction of anesthesia with thiopental, in 44 patients their extremities and trunk were covered with towels and sheets. In addition, 22 patients (covered group) had their face and head fully covered. Anesthesia was maintained with N2O 50-66% (2-3 L x min(-1)) and isoflurane (
Results:
Neither group demonstrated intraoperative hypothermia. However, tympanic membrane temperature at 75, 90, 105 min in the covered group were higher than those of control group (36.7+/-0.4 degrees C vs. 36.5+/-0.4 degrees C, 36.8+/-0.5 degrees C vs. 36.4+/-0.5 degrees C, 36.8+/-0.5 degrees C vs. 36.4+/-0.5 degrees C, respectively, P<0.05).
Conclusion:
Covering the patient's head and face maintains intraoperative core temperature.