Pressure ulcer and low-temperature burn development in an elderly patient following prolonged surgery with forced-air warming system: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Background The forced-air warming system has been commonly used to prevent hypothermia during surgery and anesthesia. Traditionally, forced-air warming blankets have been not only used to cover and warm up the patient but also placed under the patient to secure sufficient skin to warm up. However, many clinicians are oblivious to how the novel method of using a warming blanket affects a patient’s skin and often lack the knowledge and awareness needed for the appropriate use of forced-air warming systems. Case presentation : A 79-year-old man presented to the hospital for robotic proctectomy under general anesthesia. The forced-air warming system was used to prevent intraoperative hypothermia, with the forced-air warming blanket placed under the patient. The surgery lasted for 7 h, and the forced-air warming devices were continuously used for 5 h intraoperatively. The surgery was completed without any incidents. However, a low-temperature burn on the patient’s back along with a localized pressure ulcer on his right scapula was observed. Conclusions It should be noted that forced-air warming systems can cause skin complications. To minimize complications, they must be used correctly, and appropriate preventive methods should be considered. Fundamentally, the patient’s skin should be continuously monitored intraoperatively.