Effects of a thermal ceiling on postoperative hypothermia

Moderate per- and postoperative hypothermia initiates an increased metabolism in the postoperative period. The subsequent demands on oxygen transport may be critical in poor risk patients. Nineteen healthy young women with moderate hypothermia after abdominal surgery were studied for 2 h postoperatively with or without external heating from a heating ceiling. Central and peripheral temperatures, oxygen consumption, plasma catecholamines and shivering were measured. A method for continuous measurement of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during spontaneous breathing is described. The results suggest that postoperative external heating decreases oxygen consumption, shivering and plasma catecholamine levels. At the same time, the comfort of the patient is increased considerably.