Reflective blankets used for reduction of heat loss during regional anaesthesia

We have studied the ability of reflective blankets to reduce net loss of body heat during regional anaesthesia for total hip arthroplasty. Thirty patients were allocated randomly to either the study group (insulated with reflective blankets) or the control group (no reflective blankets). Surgical and operation room draping, theatre temperature and i.v. fluid administration were standardized for all patients. Total body heat was deduced from core temperature (aural canal) and mean skin temperature (four measuring sites). After 2 h of surgery, loss of body heat was reduced significantly in patients wrapped in reflective blankets (26 kJ) compared with those in the control group (95 kJ).