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 during
the intraoperative phase of the surgical experience. Forced air warming (FAW) during surgery is a
safe and effective intervention used to reduce hypothermia and improve the post anesthetic recovery of
patients. Objective: Assess the effect of forced air warming system on post anesthetic recovery for
patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Setting: The study was conducted at the general
operating rooms and recovery rooms at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Subjects: They
comprised a convenience sample of 40 patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries. Patients were
classified into the control and study groups (n = 20 in each group). Tool: One tool was used for data
collection, to collect the necessary data related to effect of forced air warming system on occurrence
of hypothermia, post anesthesia recovery and postoperative shivering, for patients undergoing major
abdominal surgeries. Results: The results of the current study showed that there was a statistically
significant difference in patient’s core temperature and post anesthesia recovery (P < 0.05) between
the control and study groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that, using the forced air warming system
is effective in preventing hypothermia and earlier patient’s recovery from anesthesia.
Recommendations: Forced air warming should be available in all operating rooms and recovery
rooms, to be used especially for major surgeries.