Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia: a literature review

Up to 70% of surgical patients develop hypothermia perioperatively. Inadvertent hypothermia can be caused by a cold operating theatre, anaesthetic effects, exposure to the environment and administration of cold intravenous or irrigation fluids. The adverse effects of unplanned hypothermia include increased blood loss, morbid cardiac events, impaired wound healing and increased mortality. Preventing unplanned hypothermia increases patient comfort and prevents associated complications. It can be achieved by simple preventative measures (Burger & Fitzpatrick 2009, Lynch et al 2010).