The Effect of Forced Air Warming System on Post Anesthetic Recovery of Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgeries

Patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries are at increased risk for hypothermia duringthe intraoperative phase of the surgical experience. Forced air warming (FAW) during surgery is asafe and effective intervention used to reduce hypothermia and improve the post anesthetic recovery ofpatients. Objective: Assess the effect of forced air warming system on post anesthetic recovery forpatients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Setting: The study was conducted at the generaloperating rooms and recovery rooms at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: Theycomprised a convenience sample of 40 patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Patients wereclassified into the control and study groups (n = 20 in each group). Tool: One tool was used for datacollection, to collect the necessary data related to effect of forced air warming system on occurrenceof hypothermia, post anesthesia recovery and postoperative shivering, for patients undergoing majorabdominal surgeries. Results: The results of the current study showed that there was a statisticallysignificant difference in patient’s core temperature and post anesthesia recovery (P 0.05) betweenthe control and study groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that, using the forced air warming systemis effective in preventing hypothermia and earlier patient’s recovery from anesthesia.Recommendations: Forced air warming should be available in all operating rooms and recoveryrooms, to be used especially for major surgeries.