Warming up to better surgical outcomes

Patient temperature: An introduction to the clinical guideline for the prevention of unplanned perioperative hypothermia

“…10 • Assess for other signs and symptoms of hypothermia (shivering, piloerection, and/or cold extremities Active warming is the application of a forced air convection warming system. 3,4,5,11,33,34,35,36,40 Apply appropriate passive insulation and increase the ambient room temperature (minimum 20°C-24°C or 68°F-75°F.) 1,39 Consider warmed IV fluids.…”

“…• Identify patient's risk factors for unplanned perioperative hypothermia. 36 • Determine patient's thermal comfort level (ask the patients if they are cold.) 10 • Assess for other signs and symptoms of hypothermia (shivering, piloerection, and/or cold extremities.)…”

“…1,7,39 • Institute active warming: Apply forced air warming system. 3,4,5,11,34,35,36,37 • Warm fluids: Intravenous and irrigants. 38 • Humidify and warm gases: Anesthetic.…”

“…• Assess temperature on admission to the Phase I PACU. 36 • If hypothermic, monitor serial temperatures at a minimum of every 30 minutes until normothermia is achieved. • If normothermic, assess temperature again prior to discharge and as ordered by physician.…”

Effects of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging on the Neuromuscular Blockade of Vecuronium Bromide in Neurosurgery

“…Generally, low temperature prolongs the action time of non-depolarizing muscle relaxants. 10) Vecuronium is a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant with moderate effectiveness, and no apparent accumulation at intermediate doses and continuous infusion. Moreover, vecuronium is suitable for operations with a high requirement for muscle relaxants and long duration.…”