Reduction of Heat Loss during Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Abstract

A prospective trial was performed on 100 patients to determine whether using a reflective blanket (Space Blanket) and heated glycine 1.5% bladder irrigation solution would decrease the fall in body temperature associated with transurethral resection of the prostate under spinal anaesthesia. Patients who received a combination of reflective blanket and heated glycine 1.5% solution had their fall in body temperature significantly reduced when compared with those patients managed without a reflective blanket and/or heated 1.5% glycine.

There was a marked decrease in the number of patients shivering and no increase in blood loss was seen when heated bladder irrigation solution was used.