Effect of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on thermoregulation

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Hypothermia is a known complication of open surgery.
• Observed hypothermia and rebound hyperthermia in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of irrigation fluid temperature on core body temperature during PCNL.
• To assess the impact of fluid temperature on post-operative recovery and complications.

Main Methods:

• Monitored 32 patients during 38 PCNL procedures over 12 months.
• Used irrigation fluid at room temperature (22°C) for 12 procedures and warmed fluid (37°C) for 26 procedures.
• Compared core body temperature changes and post-operative recovery between groups.

Main Results:

• Profoundest temperature drops occurred in patients receiving room temperature irrigation fluid.
• Recovery ward staff noted improved post-operative recovery with warmed fluid.
• Patients undergoing multiple procedures showed greater temperature decrease with cold fluid compared to warmed fluid.

Conclusions:

• Warming irrigation fluid to 37°C may mitigate hypothermia during PCNL.
• Close monitoring of core body temperature is recommended to prevent morbidity.
• Warmed irrigation fluid may improve post-operative recovery and reduce complications.