Effect of fluid irrigation on core body temperature during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration uses large volumes of intraperitoneal irrigation fluid. Much of this fluid crosses the peritoneal cavity. This study was performed to examine its effect on core body temperature.


METHODS
Ten patients undergoing laparoscopic bile duct exploration were studied. Core temperature was measured intraoperatively. Patients were covered with a warming blanket. The volume of fluid irrigated, carbon dioxide used, and intravenous fluid infused were recorded. Ten patients having cholecystectomy alone were studied as a control group.


RESULTS
There was a small but significant rise in core temperature in both the study (P = 0.010) and control (P = 0.002) groups. There was no significant difference in the change in core temperature between the groups (P = 0.706).The mean volume of irrigation fluid used was 2640 mL in the study group and 915 mL in the control group. Mean gas volume used was 162.9 L and 73.3 L and the volume of intravenous fluid infused was 1620 mL and 1190 mL in the study and control groups, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of large volumes of irrigation fluid during laparoscopic bile duct exploration does not cause a fall in core temperature.
Noble
Hamish
H
Departments of Surgery, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Chesworth
T J
TJ
Koehli
N
N
Thompson
M H
MH
D001831:Body Temperature; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D003135:Common Bile Duct; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D012965:Sodium Chloride