Developing clinical management strategies based on factors influencing perioperative hypothermia

Perioperative hypothermia (core temperature < 36 ℃) is a common complication in surgical patients, influenced by several patient-centered external factors such as medications, comorbidities, trauma, ambient temperature, type of anesthesia, and the extent and duration of the procedure. This article summarizes and analyzes various factors affecting body temperature before, during, and after anesthesia, as along with the adverse consequences of perioperative hypothermia. Perioperative hypothermia adversely impacts various organs, slows the metabolism of anesthetic drugs and analgesics, leading to reduced anesthesia effectiveness and increased side effects. Additionally, hypothermia inhibits prothrombin activation, increasing the risk of postoperative bleeding, and suppresses immune function, reducing the activity of white blood cells and the ability to resist infection, and increasing the probability of surgical site infections. Therefore, effective temperature management during the perioperative period is crucial. Accurate, continuous temperature monitoring using appropriate probes, and individualized warming tools, including the use of warm blankets, mattresses, and fluids heated through specialized equipment, are essential. Temperature management should be guided by a checklist and tailored to patient ' s requirements and local conditions. In this study, we have compiled a review of national and international literature on the adverse consequences, risk factors, and preventive strategies for perioperative hypothermia, aiming to provide reliable protocols for its prevention and management.