Urology
-
To characterize the perioperative fall in core body temperature associated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and to identify patients at greater risk of hypothermia. ⋯ Hypothermia occurs in the majority of patients undergoing PNL. Nearly an equivalent fall in temperature is seen during presurgical preparation, induction of anesthesia, and patient positioning as is seen during the surgical procedure itself. Efforts to preserve core body temperature both before and during the percutaneous procedure may reduce the degree of hypothermia and its potential complications.