Keeping surgery patients warm could prevent deaths, infections and blood loss, NICE advises.

30th, April 2008

The National Institute for Health and Clinical excellence (NICE) has issued guidance on preventing hypothermia before, during, and after surgery.

According to NICE, up to 70% of unwarmed patients may be hypothermic on admission to the recovery room. Patients who develop perioperative hypothermia can experience a number of complications, including a greater chance of heart problems, higher rates of infection and increased blood loss. They may also need to stay longer in hospital.

The guidance advises that patients are kept above 36 degrees centigrade. Detailed advice includes patients being given extra bed linen and the use ‘forced air warming’. Forced air warming is a special technique that blows hot air through a specially designed blanket before surgery.

Andrew Dillon, NICE Chief Executive, said:
“There is a great deal of misunderstanding about the risks associated with perioperative hypothermia but equally there is a huge amount that can be done to prevent hypothermia happening.

“Prevention begins with simple measures, such as providing sufficient bedding to keep patients comfortably warm before surgery. More active interventions to warm patients should be used during surgery when patients are at most risk of becoming hypothermic.”

Dr Ratan Alexander, Consultant Anaesthetist and Chair of the Guideline Development Group, said:

“Some colleagues may not always fully appreciate the rationale for avoiding perioperative hypothermia, and therefore may not consider the issue seriously enough – to the potential detriment of their patients.

“The evidence base that informs this guideline points to very clear benefits to patients by ensuring they are kept properly warm during the perioperative phase.”

The guidance was launched in partnership with the National Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Supportive Care. The full report is available at: www.nice.org.uk/CG065

Keeping surgery patients warm could prevent deaths, infections and blood loss, NICE advises.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical excellence (NICE) has issued guidance on preventing hypothermia before, during, and after surgery.

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