Literature Review of the Effects of Operating Room Temperature on Surgical Team Performance and Patient Outcomes

Operating rooms (OR) require precise management to ensure patient safety, with temperature regulation serving as one key factor in reducing surgical complications. This review explores the impact of OR temperature on staff performance, infection rates, and hypothermia outcomes, as well as strategies to minimize adverse effects.

This literature review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines identified through PubMed and Google Scholar. A focus was placed on publications written in the past 25 years to maintain the most updated information. The included articles emphasized the effects of OR temperature on staff performance, infection rates, and hypothermia-related outcomes, and all references were cross-checked by two authors for accuracy.

Ambient temperature guidelines of 20-24°C (68-75°F) from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) help reduce heat-related stress in the operating room (OR). Cooler environments minimize distractions, fatigue, and impaired performance among staff in the sterile field. Ambient temperatures above guideline ranges are associated with an increased risk of infection, particularly from gram-negative bacteria. Intraoperative hypothermia, however, poses its own risks, including altered pharmacodynamics, increased blood loss, and coagulopathies, while prolonged hypothermia can extend recovery times and hospital stays.

OR temperature plays a critical role in maintaining surgical efficiency and patient safety. Multiple variables must be considered and several intervention methods exist to optimize surgical team performance and patient outcomes.