HYPOTHERMIA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POOR-RISK PATIENT UNDERGOING MAJOR SURGERY

Abstract

• By comparing the electrolytic pattern, the ability to handle fluids including urinary output, the steroid levels, the eosinophil count, oxygen consumption, and the amounts of anesthesia required in patients undergoing surgery, it appears that with the use of moderate hypothermia the stress of both anesthesia and surgery are reduced. Patients who were considered poor surgical risks tolerated major operative pocedures better when operated on while under hypothermia.