The effects of irrigation solution temperature on body temperature in transurethral surgeries

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the temperature of irrigation fluid on core body temperature in patients undergoing transurethral resection (TUR) in urology. Material and Methods: 70 patients undergoing TUR under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Group I consisted of 35 patients who received room temperature irrigation fluid during surgery; Group II consisted of 35 patients whose procedure was performed with warmed irrigation fluid. The core body temperature was determined with the use of an infrared tympanic thermometer and was expressed as the change from baseline. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups for demographical data, amount of irrigation and of iv fluids used, length of operation and hemodynamic parameters. The temperature drops at the 90th minute (P=0.001) and at the end of the operation (P=0.008) were lower in Group II, which were statistically significant. Patient thermal comfort scores were significantly higher in Group II (P=0.018). Conclusion:We concluded that the use of warm irrigation fluids during TUR reduces the degree of temperature drop, which helps to prevent hypothermia.