Abstract:

Objective To compare the use of composite insulation or a forced-air blanket for rewarming hypothermic patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma and low body mass index. Methods Hypothermic patients（n=54） undergoing surgery for primary hepatocellular carcinoma were randomized to undergo rewarming using either composite insulation or a forced-air blanket. The two groups were compared in terms of rewarming time and speed，spontaneous breathing recovery time，waking time and shivering. Results The composite insulation group experienced faster rewarming rate（0.58±0.12℃/h） as well as shorter rewarming time（76.11±18.57 min），waking time（56.85±17.68 min），spontaneous breathing recovery time（32.00±19.13 min） and postanes -thesia care unit residence time（94.33±18.26 min） than the forced-air blanket group（P<0.05）. Conclusion These results suggest that composite insulation is safe，effective and superior to forced-air blankets when rewarming hypothermic patients with large hepatocellular carcinoma and low body mass index.

Key words: Liver neoplasms, Low body mass index, Hypothermia, Rewarming, Composite insulation, Forced-air blanket, Anesthesia recovery