[Changes in temperature during transurethral resection of the prostate under peridural anesthesia]

Superficial and central body temperatures were measured during anaesthesia and recovery in eleven elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection under epidural anaesthesia. A significant decrease in central body temperature as measured on the tympanic membrane was found during surgery. After a significant increase during induction of anaesthesia, mean skin temperature remained stable throughout surgery. Mean body temperature calculated from central body temperature and mean skin temperature decreased significantly during surgery. During recovery, all temperatures increased significantly. But mean body temperature returned to normal faster than central body temperature. Routine monitoring of core temperature and the use of warmed irrigation fluids are recommended during transurethral resections in elderly patients.