Intraoperative hypothermia in oncology patients undergoing abdominal surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and to characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia in patients undergoing oncologic abdominal surgery. Methods: Observational, quantitative, cross-sectional clinical study conducted in a hospital in the state of Pará, Brazil, between October and November 2025. A convenience sample of 43 adult patients, classified as ASA II or III, was included. Data were collected using a structured form and thermal monitoring (axillary and esophageal). Statistical analyses were performed using BioEstat® version 5.4, applying ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests (p < 0.05). Results: The incidence of hypothermia was universal, with predominance among patients aged 60–69 years (37.2%) and those classified as ASA II (76.7%). The lowest mean temperature (34.3 °C) occurred during the first surgical hour, with minimum values of 33.2 °C. Surgical duration longer than 180 minutes (60.5%) and the mean volume of administered fluids (2,309 mL) were identified as critical factors. Although 44.2% of patients received combined warming measures, these strategies were insufficient to maintain normothermia. Conclusion: The study demonstrated high thermal vulnerability in the local oncologic surgical setting, limited by its observational design and sample size. Predominantly reactive warming strategies underscore the need for proactive thermal safety protocols.