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2026, Number 1

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Cir Plast 2026; 36 (1)

Hypothermia in plastic surgery: pathophysiology, prevention, and management

Domínguez-Millán R

Language: Spanish
References: 33
Page: 37-43
PDF size: 347.03 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Perioperative hypothermia (core temperature < 36 °C) is a very common complication (10-80% incidence) in plastic surgery. Factors such as prolonged body exposure and infusion of cold fluids exacerbate the risk. Anesthesia alters thermoregulation by causing heat redistribution and reduced metabolic production. Consequences include increased cardiovascular risk, coagulopathies, surgical site infections, and prolonged recovery. Prevention is key and involves continuous monitoring, patient prewarming, intraoperative warming (operating room temperature, warmed fluids, warming devices), and postoperative warming to improve prognosis and patient safety.


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