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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4
2°C drop in core body temperature can increase blood loss by 500mL.
Shivering post-operatively can cause an increase in oxygen demand,
bleeding times and blood viscosity, and contribute to a risk for metabolic
acidosis, along with hyperventilation and hypoxia.
• Altered drug metabolism.
Even with mild hypothermia, there is a
decreased drug metabolism of most drugs with colder patients. For
example, the duration of the muscle relaxant vecuronium is doubled
at 34.5°C compared with at 36.5°C. This can still significantly prolong
the post-operative recovery period, which not only causes patient
flow issues, but also increases costs.
• Increased healthcare costs.
We can attribute this to the delayed
recovery and ultimately delayed discharge. Also, wound complications
prolong hospitalization and substantially increase medical costs.
Reducing the inci-
dence of unplanned
hypothermia in the
operating room can
reduce hospitalization
costs, shorten the
length of hospital
stays, decrease the
potential for SSIs, and
increase the overall
comfort of the patient.
Patients that feel
warm are generally
more satisfied and
content. In the current
healthcare climate, it
is important to consid-
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