Effect of the Irrigation Fluid Temperature on Core Temperature in Transurethral Resection of Prostate Patients Under Spinal Versus General Anaesthesia

Abstract

Study Design
Prospective, randomized control trial.
Objectives
To evaluate and compare the effect of warm and unwarmed irrigation fluid and anaesthetic technique on core temperature in patients undergoing Transurethral resection of prostate.
Summary of Background Data
Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in 80 patients belonging to age group18-75 yrs of posted for TURP under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia.
Group A: General Anaesthesia with irrigation fluid at room temperature.
Group B: GeneralAnaesthesia with irrigation fluid at 37 °C.
Group C: Spinal Anaesthesia with irrigation fluid at room temperature.
Group D: Spinal Anaesthesia with irrigation fluid at at 37 °C.
Results
Amongst the four Groups, all the subjects showed consistently reduced core temperature which was statistically significant (p<0.05) at all time intervals. Core temperatures were lower in the group receiving unwarmed irrigation fluid compared with the prewarmed irrigation fluid group at the end of surgery. The mean decrease in core temperature at the end of surgery 4.2105 °F in Group A 1.1105 °F. in Group B, 4.2700 °F. in Group C, 1.4250 °F in Group D. The difference in mean core temperature was not statistically significant in Groups receiving unwarmed fluid. Statistically significant difference in mean core temperature was seen in Group B and Group D.
Conclusion
Use of prewarm irrigation fluid resulted in lesser drop in core temperature as compared than that receiving unwarmed irrigation fluid. The drop was relatively least in patients under general anaesthesia.