Reflective Blankets vs Electric Warming in Preventing Hypothermia During Liposuction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Perioperative hypothermia is common during liposuction and can lead to delayed recovery, shivering, and patient discomfort. Although electric warming (EW) systems are effective, their use may be limited in certain settings.

The authors of this study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of reflective blankets (RBs) in maintaining core temperature during liposuction compared with EW and no warming.

In this randomized controlled trial, 90 patients undergoing elective liposuction under general anesthesia were assigned to 3 groups (n = 30): RB, EW, and control (no warming). Core temperature was measured by esophageal probe. Secondary outcomes included awakening time, postoperative thermal comfort (visual analog scale), shivering incidence, and thermal imaging.

Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. Final intraoperative temperatures were higher in RB (36.37 ± 0.21°C) and EW (36.40 ± 0.17°C) groups than in the control (36.29 ± 0.17°C; P < .05). EW provided earlier thermal protection; RB showed significant effects by 90 min. Shivering occurred in 76.7% of control patients vs 20.0% (RB) and 13.3% (EW; P < .001). Awakening time was shorter in RB (4.88 min) and EW (4.57 min) than in control (7.72 min; P < .001). Thermal imaging confirmed better heat retention with RB and EW.

RBs are effective in maintaining normothermia during liposuction and improving recovery outcomes. Their low cost, ease of use, and energy-free operation make them a practical alternative to EW, especially in resource-limited settings.