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Nutrient induced thermogenesis during major colorectal excision--a pilot study
T V Chandrasekaran1, R N W Morgan, R A Mason
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singleton Hospital, Sketty, Swansea, UK.
Summary
Perioperative administration of amino acids (Vamin 18) may help prevent hypothermia during major colorectal surgery. This pilot study suggests Vamin 18 can increase body temperature recovery rates after anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Oncology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- General anesthesia can lead to hypothermia, increasing risks of coagulopathy, cardiac events, infections, and metabolic expenditure.
- Maintaining normothermia is crucial for patient outcomes during and after surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of perioperative amino acid administration (Vamin 18) in preventing postoperative hypothermia during major colorectal surgery.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving two groups (n=10 each) undergoing complex colorectal operations.
- The study group received Vamin 18 infusion post-anesthesia induction and pre-incision; the control group did not.
- Core body temperature was monitored using esophageal probes, with standardized environmental conditions and warming techniques.
Main Results:
- Both groups experienced a significant drop in body temperature from pre-induction to skin incision.
- The study group showed a statistically significant increase in body temperature between skin incision and recovery.
- The control group did not exhibit a significant temperature increase during the same period.
Conclusions:
- Complex colorectal operations are associated with significant perioperative hypothermia.
- Perioperative Vamin 18 administration appears to accelerate body temperature recovery.
- Further prospective randomized trials are needed to assess the impact of this thermogenic effect on perioperative morbidity and mortality.