perioperative hypothermia
Unintended decrease in core body temperature during the surgical period, increasing risk of bleeding, infection, and delayed recovery in emergency surgery patients.
Full Definition
Perioperative hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below 36°C (96.8°F) occurring during the perioperative period. In emergency surgery, hypothermia often develops due to rapid fluid resuscitation with unwarmed solutions, exposed body surface area, cold operating room environment, and the stress response to trauma or critical illness. Hypothermia is particularly problematic because it impairs coagulation function, increases bleeding risk, promotes wound infections, delays drug metabolism, and can contribute to cardiac arrhythmias. Prevention strategies include active warming devices, warmed IV fluids, increased ambient temperature, and minimizing exposure time. Treatment involves aggressive rewarming using forced-air warming blankets, warmed irrigation solutions, and heated humidified gases. In severe cases, extracorporeal warming techniques may be required. Monitoring core temperature is essential throughout the perioperative period in all emergency surgery patients.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from therapeutic hypothermia which is intentionally induced. Always specify 'perioperative' to clarify timing.
In Context
- "The patient developed perioperative hypothermia with a core temperature of 35.2°C despite active warming measures." — Anesthesia record documentation
- "Prevention of perioperative hypothermia required preoperative warming, heated IV fluids, and forced-air warming throughout the procedure." — Quality improvement initiative report