The importance of environmental conditions, especially temperature, in the operating room and intensive care ward

Abstract

Abstract Although most patients are essentially well enough to be able to resist or to adapt to unfavourable ambient conditions, this may not be so with an ill patient or one who is having or has had a serious operation. The climatic conditions necessary in the operating room to give an optimal environment are discussed. These are second in importance only to control of infectivity. Airconditioning in operating suites should be obligatory; there is even official acceptance of this. Earlier recommendations that the operating room should be heated to up to 80 °F(27·9 °C) are obsolete. The temperature most favoured by surgeons is 18·5–21 °C; some prefer a range of 21–22 °C. The critical ambient temperature desirable is 21 °C. For infants and children this may be increased up to 24 °C. It is difficult or impossible to achieve climatic conditions in the operating room that are acceptable to all. The needs of the patient are of special importance and are largely neglected; he alone is unable to speak for himself. The disposition of air inlets in the operating room is fully discussed. Climatic conditions in the intensive care unit are of great importance and are discussed. The need for full air-conditioning is absolute although this is often ignored. The delivery of conditioned air within the intensive care unit is also fully presented, especially the need to avoid direct chilling of the patient. The advantages of horizontal laminar air flow are presented.