Investigation of hypothermia in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia and factors related to anesthesia

Abstract

Objective: Determining the incidence of hypothermia in surgical patients underwent general anesthesia and factors related to hypothermia.

Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients aged >18 years who had an indication for surgery under general anesthesia at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital from April 2022 to May 2022 and who consented to participate in the study. The Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test and linear regression models were used to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0,05.

Result: A total of 107 patients were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was nearly equal, and more than 70% of patients were younger than 65 years. The prevalence of malnutrition was 2,8%, while overweight and obesity accounted for 27,1%. Most patients were classified as ASA physical status II or higher (83,2%). The incidence of hypothermia in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia was 71%. Among these, mild hypothermia accounted for the highest proportion (59,2%), followed by moderate and severe hypothermia at 25,0% and 15,8%, respectively. Risk factors associated with hypothermia included sex, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery, and operating room temperature.

Conclusion: The incidence of hypothermia in patients who had surgical indications and underwent general anesthesia is 71%. Attention should be given to patients who are male, have induction time exceeding 2 hours, long surgical duration and have low room temperature.