To study the temperature change and the degree of heat loss during general anesthesia, skin temperature, tympanic temperature and rectal temperature were measured in 21 patients.
Mean skin temperature was calculated from four probes situated on the l...
To study the temperature change and the degree of heat loss during general anesthesia, skin temperature, tympanic temperature and rectal temperature were measured in 21 patients.
Mean skin temperature was calculated from four probes situated on the lateral aspect of the mid-calf, the ventral surface of the mid-thigh, the nipple and the lateral aspect of the upper arm, using the formula of Ramanathan, and the heat loss can be calculated by Burton's formula. the result are as follows.
1. Mean skin temperature increased higher than control value at 20 minute, not significantly. thereafter remained high.
2. Tympanic temperature decreased significantly at 20 minute (p<0.005), esophageal temperature decreased at 60minute, and rectal temperature decreased at 90 minute significantly (p<0.05).
3. There was continuous loss of total body heat during general anesthesia.
4. In the recovery room, the aural temperature increased progressively.