The effects of airway heat conservation and skin surface insulation on thermal balance during spinal surgery

Prevention of heat loss is at its most effective when several techniques are used simultaneously, however, all these studies included external heat sources, either heated humidification, or a heating blanket, or both. The combination of warmed iv fluids, use of a heat and moisture exchanger in a low flow circle system, and additional surface insulation was also effective, with core temperatures and stored body heat returning close to or above preoperative levels in group 4. A combination of techniques, all begun as early as possible, is advocated to minimize hypothermia.