Original Articles
Effect of prewarming on post-operative hypothermia in patients > 60 years of age undergoing cystoscopy procedures lasting < 1 hour under spinal anesthesia | |
Dr. Aatman Raina, Dr. Pooja Meena, Dr. Anil Gupta, Dr. Yogesh Kumar Aggarwal | |
Background:Postoperative hypothermia is a common complication in elderly patients undergoing surgical procedures, particularly under spinal anesthesia. It can lead to adverse outcomes such as shivering, hemodynamic instability, and delayed recovery. Prewarming, a simple intervention involving external heat application before surgery, has shown potential in mitigating hypothermia and improving patient outcomes.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prewarming in preventing postoperative hypothermia and related complications in patients aged over 60 years undergoing shortduration cystoscopy procedures under spinal anesthesia. Materials & Methods:A comparative cross-sectional, double-blind study was conducted on 62 patients, evenly divided into two groups: Group A (non-prewarming) and Group B (prewarming). Prewarming involved the use of forced-air warming devices set at 43°C for 30 minutes preoperatively. Core body temperature, hemodynamic parameters, shivering grades, and patient satisfaction were assessed intraoperatively and postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the differences between the groups. Results: Group B exhibited significantly better thermal stability, with higher core body temperatures maintained throughout the perioperative period. The incidence of shivering was markedly lower in the prewarming group (0%) compared to Group A (83.9%), with a statistically significant difference (p< 0.001). Prewarming also contributed to improved hemodynamic stability, reflected in consistent blood pressure and heart rate readings. Furthermore, patients in Group B reported higher satisfaction scores due to reduced discomfort and faster recovery. Conclusion: Prewarming effectively prevents postoperative hypothermia, enhances thermal stability, and reduces the incidence of complications such as shivering in elderly patients undergoing cystoscopy under spinal anesthesia. It is a safe, cost-effective intervention that improves perioperative care and patient satisfaction. Routine adoption of prewarming protocols is recommended for elderly surgical populations to optimize outcomes. |
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