[Experiences with therapeutic whole-body hyperthermia]

Therapeutic whole body hyperthermia (WBH) as an additional therapy in the treatment of cancer has been known for a long time and is beginning to attain acceptance. In a clinical study 28 patients were treated 70 times with WBH at a core temperature of 41.8 degrees C. Hyperthermia was induced and maintained with an extracorporal circuit (ECC). Patients were anaesthesized with nitrous oxygen, enflurane and fentanyl. Therefore artificial ventilation was mandatory. Invasive monitoring was used to control vital functions. The effect of WBH includes a rise in cardiac output and heart rate as well as a decrease in total vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. Pulmonary function almost remains constant. A raised oxygen consumption is compensated by a rise of oxygen availability. In consequence of an augmented perspiratio insensibilis and the ECC, close observation of fluid and electrolyte balance is necessary. According to our experience the small number of complications and problems allows the treatment with WBH even of patients with a high risk of anaesthesia.