By increasing ambient temperature in the operating room to 26 degrees C (79 degrees F), the incidence of core hypothermia can be dramatically reduced in both younger and older patients.

Although high-level spinal blockade has been associated with decreased thermoregulatory thresholds, no previous study has shown that a higher level of blockade is associated with a greater magnitude of core hypothermia in the clinical setting. As with general anesthesia, advanced age is associated with hypothermia during spinal anesthesia.

Cutaneous toe temperatures approaching core temperature provide a useful monitor of lumbar sympathetic block and may predict relief of sympathetically maintained pain. Iohexol will not compromise temperature changes or pain relief.

No abstract