How can hypothermia impact surgical outcomes?

Hypothermia can significantly impair surgical outcomes primarily by affecting coagulation and increasing the risk of infection. When a patient's body temperature drops, several physiological changes occur that can compromise the coagulation cascade. This can lead to coagulopathy, a condition where the blood’s ability to clot is impaired. In a surgical setting, this raises the risk of excessive bleeding during and after procedures, making hemostatic control critical.

Additionally, hypothermia can suppress the immune system's function, further increasing the likelihood of postoperative infections. A cooler body temperature can impair the activity of white blood cells and diminish the body’s inflammatory response, which is essential for recovery and healing after surgery. Consequently, maintaining normothermia (normal body temperature) is vital in surgical practice to minimize these adverse outcomes and support a smoother recovery for patients. This highlights the importance of temperature monitoring and management in the perioperative setting.