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P A T I E N T
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W A R M I N G
Reduced hospitalization
This can lengthen the stay in the
Studies have shown that delayed
PACU, as well as require unexpected
Sessler commented in his 2008 article.
wound healing can prolong the dura-
hospitalizations after short-procedure
tion of hospitalization by 20%, even in
surgeries.
patients without SSIs. Additionally,
hypothermia promotes hypertension,
Multimodal approach
tachycardia and an increase in plasma
Ms. Burns is a passionate advocate for
catecholamine concentrations. These
warming patients pre-operatively,
factors may contribute to an increase
in morbid myocardial outcomes, says
Dr. Sessler.
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Patients wake sooner,
recover more quickly
When patients are normother-
mic throughout surgery, drugs metab-
olize normally and anesthesia clears
the body as expected, allowing
patients to wake up less confused and
groggy, studies show. Dr. Sessler's
research reveals the hypothermic
patient takes an average of 40 minutes
longer to be fit for post-op discharge.
"As might be expected from the phar-
MULTIMODAL MODEL The best warming strategy is to combine your efforts. Keep the OR warm
for the first hour of surgery, use pre-operative
active warming and keep the patient covered perioperatively for best results.
macokinetic and pharmacodynamic
intraoperatively and post-operatively.
effects of hypothermia, the duration of
And she believes in the multimodal
post-anesthesia recovery is significant-
approach. She asks patients early on if
ly prolonged — even when tempera-
they are cold, and orders heated blan-
ture is not a discharge criterion," Dr.
kets if they are. She administers warm
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