Neurol Neurochir Pol
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Mild hypothermia may occur spontaneously or, because of its putative neuroprotective effect, may be induced purposefully during neurosurgical procedures. Though the brain is the organ targeted for the purpose of neuroprotection, little is known about its temperature during general anaesthesia and craniotomy. The purpose of this study was to define the relations between core, skin and brain temperature during craniotomy and to compare two modes of inducing thermal insulation in patients during operative procedures. ⋯ Furthermore tympanic and oesophageal temperature was on average 0.5 degree C higher than brain temperature. In conclusion, temperature measurements obtained in standard sites do not reflect brain temperature reliably during craniotomy and general anaesthesia. This indicates that the direct measurement of intracranial temperature is necessary for correct estimation of brain hypothermia.