Correction of laparoscopic insufflation hypothermia.

Because of the iatrogenic hypothermic stress of a 0.3 degrees C loss created by carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum insufflation at laparoscopy, it is important to reduce this danger to a minimum. The risk is diminished by increasing the temperature of the delivered carbon dioxide gas to 30.0-30.5 degrees C. This was demonstrated by evaluating 20 patients undergoing laparoscopies with unheated carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and 20 with heated carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. All procedures were performed without the use of laser or cautery. The group receiving the heated gas had lower and more stable thermal losses. Warming of the carbon dioxide prior to abdominal delivery is recommended to counteract hypothermia.