Thermoregulation and mild peri-operative hypothermia

Induced hypothermia (28–32°C) has been indicated for some time for myocardial and cerebral protection in cardiac anaesthesia. However, it has recently been recognised that mild, inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia is associated with a number of adverse postoperative outcomes. Patient outcome can be improved by preventing peri-operative hypothermia. Although there is no clear definition of mild hypothermia, it is generally accepted that it refers to a core body temperature of 34.0–36.5°C. Effective prevention and treatment of peri-operative hypothermia requires an understanding of thermoregulatory physiology and its modulation by general and regional anaesthesia.