Prophylatic Effect of Forced-air Warming on Intraoperative Mild Hypothermia after General Anesthesia

ObjectivecTo evaluate the clinical use of forced-air warming for preventing intraoperative mild hypothermia during general anesthesia. MethodsiForty ASA physical status of Ⅰ - Ⅱ adults patients undergoing selective radical colorectal cancer resection were randomly divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. The patients in group A received routine passive isolation against hypothermia with covering the patients' body and extremities with one layer of blanket. The patients in group B received additional active warming of the upper body using forced air. The body core temperature was measured during the operation. Results:The mean core temperature at the end of the operation of the group A was 35.2±0.2t,while it was 36.5±0.18t in group B. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups. The result of thermal comfort of patients in the two groups was considered statistically significant (20±5 vs. 45±10 mm,respectively).12 patients shivered in group A after anesthesia and only 2 patients shivered in group B(P0.05). Conclusion:Forced-air warming can prevent intraoperative hypothermia during general anesthesia.