Perioperative hypothermia is associated with the development of haemocoagulation, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders leading to an increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of the investigation was to assess the extent of hypothermia and its clinical and laboratory consequences. A group of 30 patients subjected to elective radical laparotomy on account of colorectal carcinoma was divided into to equivalent groups. To the first group heated infusions were administered, to the second group not heated ones. In all patients the central and peripheral temperature, rate of postoperative normalization of the temperature, postoperative thermal comfort, consumption of analgesics and biochemical and haematological parameters were monitored. Results: In patients with non-heated infusions more marked and longer perioperative hypothermia was recorded with a significant alteration of the number of leucocytes and thrombocytes. In the other investigated indicators there was no significant difference between the two groups. Hypothermia did not cause serious complications in any of the patients. Conclusion: Although no serious clinical complications induced by hypothermia were recorded, the authors recommend an active approach and previsions for the perioperative maintenance of body temperature as a standard of contemporary perioperative care.

        Key words: surgery - hypothermia - complications