Loss of resistance: saline versus air

Abstract

CorrespondenceAttitudes towards the safety of using uni-polar diathermy in association with the presence of a space blanket were also investigated; 88% of teaching hospital anaesthetists felt the combination was safe, but this was true of only 52% of district general hospital anaesthetists. This uncertainty clearly influences the intra-operative use of space blankets.Modern space blankets are made of metallised plastic sheeting, are nonconductive and therefore provide electrical as well as thermal insulation. They can be easily applied in the anaesthetic room as part of routine preparation of the patient for major surgery and a 'window' cut to allow surgical access.This survey shows that the possibility of reducing heat loss by the intra-operative use of a space blanket needs to be better appreciated, especially by those working in district general hospitals. Even in these cost-conscious days, 95p (current price) cannot be considered an excessive price to pay for such clear advantages. We would therefore like to endorse the early use of space blankets in operating theatres to help prevent heat loss and thereby minimise the early postoperative sequelae resulting from hypothermia.