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laparoscopic procedures as a defense against hypothermia. However, a meta-
analysis published by the Cochrane System of Database Reviews has shown
that there is no evidence to support doing this. While some surgeons say it also
helps prevent fogging, if you're using this solely as a method to warm patients
you may want to reconsider, especially since it can tack an additional cost of up
to $50 onto each case.
OSM
Dr. Steelman (victoria-steelman@uiowa.edu) is a patient safety
expert and an associate professor at the University of Iowa College
of Nursing. She is also a member of AORN's board of directors.
