Prevention of Hypothermia

Abstract

Mild perioperative hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature between 34 and 36 {\textdegree}C, is common and preventable. Without active interventions approximately 70 % of patient undergoing operations lasting 2 h or longer will become hypothermic. This is of concern as mild perioperative hypothermia has been associated with adverse outcomes. This chapter will explore the causes of perioperative hypothermia, the potential adverse consequences for patients, and techniques and recommendations for avoiding inadvertent perioperative hypothermia.