Inadvertent Hypothermia in Urological Surgery: Incidence and Risk Factors

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Nursing
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) is a common complication during surgery.
• Maintaining normothermia is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Urological surgery patients may be at particular risk for IPH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of IPH in patients undergoing urological surgery.
• To identify risk factors associated with IPH in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 patients undergoing urological surgery.
• Patient body temperature was monitored preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.
• Data on patient characteristics and perioperative events were collected.

Main Results:

• The incidence of IPH was 8.8% (early intraoperative), 18.5% (late intraoperative), and 40.5% (postoperative).
• Administration of ≥500 mL of intravenous fluids was a significant risk factor for IPH (P = .002).
• Several other potential risk factors, including patient demographics and surgical factors, did not show a significant association with IPH.

Conclusions:

• Approximately half of urological surgery patients experience IPH.
• Large-volume IV fluid administration is a significant risk factor for IPH.
• Current IPH prevention protocols are inadequate; nurses should use combined warming methods and administer IV fluids at or above body temperature, especially when large volumes are required.