Efficacy Of External Warming To Reduce Hypothermia In Surgical Patients

Hypothermia in surgical patients can be the result of a long surgery duration, general anaesthesia and a low temperature in theatre. Hypothermia is a problem that should be prevented in surgical patients, due to the serious issues that it can cause. These include delayed wound healing, deterioration of patient comfort, prolonged hospital stays, surgical site infection and even death. External heating procedures can be used to help prevent hypothermia.

A study was carried out at the Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy at the University of Defence in Belgrade, Serbia, to evaluate the efficiency of external warming systems in alleviating cold stress and hypothermia in patients undergoing major surgical procedures.  Thirty patients, undergoing abdominal surgical procedures of two hours or more, were randomly divided into two equal groups.  One group was externally warmed using a warm air mattress, while in the control group the surgical procedure was performed in regular conditions, without additional warming.

The study results confirm that external warming using a warm air mattress reduced hypothermia compared to the control group.  Results of temperature monitoring show that core body temperatures, as well as local skin temperatures, are significantly higher in the patients who underwent major abdominal surgery when warmed with a forced-air mattress, compared to the control conditions. The external warming proved to be efficient in the alleviation of perioperative and postoperative hypothermia.  Full details of the study can be found at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27498449/

The external warming system used in the study was the Kanmed WarmCloud, a patient warming system with built-in pressure sore prevention.  This unique system ensures patients stay warm during surgery, while at the same time reducing the risk of pressure sores.  The Kanmed WarmCloud system consists of a single-use warm air mattress, a main unit and an optional remote control for operating the system.  The warm air mattress is placed under the patient, creating a soft, comfortable and temperature-controlled environment.  As the mattress is under the patient, surgeons have easy access to surgical sites. 

Kanmed WarmCloud is exclusively available in the UK from Central Medical Supplies (CMS).  CMS is committed to assisting healthcare professionals in keeping patients at a healthy temperature and works with hospital trusts to find the right solution for the needs of different patients. 

For advice on temperature management, along with Kanmed WarmCloud product information, contact Tracey Pavier-Grant, Sales & Marketing Director at Central Medical Supplies, on 01538 392 596 or email tracey@centralmedical.co.uk.Alternatively, you can find out more by visiting www.centralmedical.co.uk