Sugi K, Katoh T, Gohra H, Hamano K, Fujimura Y, Esato K
First Department of Surgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan.
Paediatr Anaesth. 1998;8(3):211-4.
We describe the development of progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic procedures in infants and children. Twelve patients (four infants and eight children) underwent closure of a patent ductus arteriosus using the video-assisted technique. A progressive increase in body temperature of more than 2 degrees C occurred in six of the patients during surgery. The increase in body temperature correlated inversely with body weight and directly with duration of surgery (r = -0.76, P = 0.003 and r = 0.68, P = 0.01, respectively). We found that the thoracoscope produces 28.5 joule.min-1 of constant energy in vitro. Our findings show progressive hyperthermia during thoracoscopic procedures, due to energy release from the thoracoscope. This could be a significant complication in infants undergoing prolonged operations.
