RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of a Global Warming Strategy of the Patient on the Prevalence of Hypothermia in the Recovering Room

This study is investigating a common problem: patients often get too cold after surgery, a condition called hypothermia. This can lead to serious complications such as increased risk of infections, heart problems, more bleeding, and longer hospital stays. Doctors already try to keep patients warm during an operation, but many still arrive in the recovery room feeling chilly. This research wants to see if extending warming efforts to *before* and *after* surgery can make a significant difference. The goal is to improve patient comfort, reduce health risks, and help people recover more smoothly. They are looking for specific types of patients having a particular kind of abdominal surgery to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Poitiers University Hospital

Enrolment target

174

Start

08 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Hypothermia; Anesthesia Perioperative/Postoperative Complications

What is this study about?

When you have an operation, your body temperature can drop more easily during and after the procedure. This drop in temperature, known as hypothermia, is quite common, with many patients arriving in the recovery room feeling cold. It's a bit like getting a chill, but it can have more serious effects than just feeling uncomfortable.

Being too cold after surgery can unfortunately lead to several health issues. For example, it can make you more likely to get an infection where you had surgery, increase the risk of heart problems, and even lead to more bleeding. It might also mean you need more time to recover, potentially leading to a longer stay in the hospital or recovery room. Doctors and nurses already work hard to keep you warm during an operation, but this study suggests that doing more to keep you warm *before* and *after* surgery could be very important.

This study wants to explore if giving patients extra warmth both before their operation and while they are recovering can stop them from getting too cold. By doing this, the researchers hope to reduce the potential complications associated with hypothermia, help patients recover faster, and ultimately make their surgery experience safer and more comfortable. They are focusing on people having a specific type of keyhole abdominal surgery.

Key takeaways

Being too cold after surgery (hypothermia) is common and can cause problems.
This study wants to improve patient warming efforts before and after surgery.
Better warming might reduce risks like infections and heart issues.
The goal is to help patients recover more comfortably and quickly.
It focuses on adults having specific keyhole abdominal surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you would need to be an adult having a specific type of keyhole surgery on your abdomen, also known as laparoscopic visceral surgery. This means the surgery is done through small cuts, rather than a large incision.

You would not be able to join the study if your surgery is unplanned or an emergency. Also, if you already have an infection before your surgery (meaning your temperature is higher than 38°C when you arrive at the hospital ward), or if your recovery room stay is planned to be a certain length for other reasons, you wouldn't be able to participate. This helps ensure that everyone in the study has similar circumstances.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
Are you having keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery on your abdomen?
Is your surgery a planned operation, not an emergency?
Do you currently have a normal temperature (below 38°C) before your surgery?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study team will monitor your body temperature closely throughout your hospital stay, focusing on before, during, and after your surgery, especially in the recovery room. They will be looking at whether extra warming measures reduce your risk of getting too cold and how this might affect your recovery. You won't need to take any new medications just for the study, but the healthcare team might use different methods to keep you warm, such as special blankets, which are standard care practices. The total duration of your participation would cover the period around your surgery and recovery, specifically during your hospital stay for the operation.

Potential risks and benefits

Patients who take part in this study may benefit from potentially better temperature control, which could reduce some common risks associated with surgery like infections or a longer recovery time. While keeping warm is generally very safe, there isn't expected to be any additional risk from the warming methods used, as they are standard care. You are always free to change your mind about participating in the study at any time, without it affecting the care you receive.

Locations (1)

Poitiers University Hospital
Verified postcode
Poitiers, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hypothermia in this study?

Hypothermia in this study means your body temperature drops below 36°C (96.8°F) after surgery. Even a mild drop can be a concern.

Why is being cold after surgery a problem?

Being too cold can lead to issues like increased risk of infection, heart complications, more bleeding, and might mean a longer recovery time in hospital.

How will they keep me warm?

The study will look at warming methods used before, during, and after your surgery, which might include special warming blankets, to see if these extra steps help.

What kind of surgery is this study for?

This study is for adults having specific keyhole surgery on their abdomen, which is also known as laparoscopic visceral surgery.

Will taking part in the study change my surgery?

No, your surgery will proceed as planned. The study focuses on how warming you up before, during, and after surgery affects your recovery.

How to find out more

Marion Said

marion.said@chu-poitiers.fr 0549444444 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.