Room Temperature Versus Warm Irrigation Fluid Used for Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze whether warm irrigation fluid could reduce postoperative adverse effects in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery compared with room temperature irrigation fluid.

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed.

Methods: A computerized search of electronic databases was performed. The inclusion criteria were studies comparing the clinical effects of room temperature and warm irrigation fluid on patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Findings: Warm irrigation fluid reduced the degree of core body temperature drop and the incidence of hypothermia. A statistically lower incidence of shivering also occurred in the warm irrigation fluid group.

Conclusions: The use of warm irrigation fluid better maintains core body temperature and reduces incidence of shivering than room temperature irrigation fluid. Therefore, warm irrigation fluid is a better choice for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Keywords: arthroscopic shoulder surgery; core body temperature; hypothermia; irrigation fluid; shivering.