Perioperative Active Warming Techniques in Colorectal Surgeries

Overview

We propose a study in which we compare two intraoperative active warming devices for maintenance of normothermia in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. A novel underbody resistive warming mattress (VitaHeat) will be compared to the forced air warming blanket (3M Bair Hugger) that is currently used in our institution. Our hypothesis is that the underbody resistive warming mattress will be equally effective as forced air warming in maintaining normothermia in colorectal surgery.

Stratified randomization will be performed using a computerized randomization table where the strata will be type of surgery (open vs closed) and the treatment will be forced air blanket or underbody mattress warming device. This will allow equal groups of both warming devices in both types of surgery. Group 1: Patients will receive active warming via a heating mattress (VitaHEAT Medical) placed on the OR table with two thin sheets between the patient and the device; one covering the mattress and the other used as the draw sheet as usual practice. The device will be turned on 10 minutes prior to the patients' arrival to the operating room table. Patients' upper body will be covered with blankets. To increase skin surface contact with the mattress any blankets remaining under the patients' chest or head will be removed after intubation and replaced with a donut. Group 2: Patients will receive standard forced air warming applied to the upper body and turned on after the patient is prepped and draped. These warmers will be placed directly in contact with the skin without any intervening insulation. Both groups will have IV fluid warmer initiated on arrival to the operating room. The operating room temperatures will be adjusted to 21°C. Participation in the study is voluntary. The patients may choose not to enroll in the research. Patients who choose not to enroll will use the standard forced air warmer. Preoperative and postoperative temperatures will be measured orally. Intraoperative core and skin temperatures will be monitored continuously at 1 minute intervals using an esophageal probe and skin temperature probe using a skin temp probe placed on the great toe and covered to prevent any contact with the warming devices. Intraoperative period: The participants temperature will be monitored and documented at prescribed times. Postoperative period: The participants will have temperature monitored in the post anesthesia care area. Participation in this study will last for 30 days following surgery at which point study member will call patient for a 2-4 minute phone call.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (2)

Outcomes