The effect of arthroscopic irrigation fluid warming on body temperature

The use of room temperature solutions for body cavity irrigation during surgical procedures can lead to the development of perioperative hypothermia. Hypothermia during this period causes patient discomfort, increases oxygen consumption, interferes with the clotting cascade, and increases the length of hospital stay. Perioperative hypothermia in anesthetized patients also contributes to extended sedation, delayed emergence, and prolonged recovery from neuromuscular blockade. Twenty-four adult American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I and II patients were randomly assigned to receive warmed arthroscopic irrigation solution or room-temperature irrigation solution in this randomized, prospective study. Tympanic temperatures were monitored every 15 minutes throughout the surgical and postanesthesia recovery periods. P < .05 was considered significant. Statistical comparison of the mean percent temperature decrease from preoperative baseline between the 2 groups did not support the hypothesis that patients receiving warmed irrigation solution would maintain a higher core body temperature than those receiving room temperature solution.