Inadvertent hypothermia in patients undergoing brachytherapy under monitored anesthesia care: A prospective observational cohort study

Brachytherapy, which is often performed under anesthesia, is one of the main treatment options for cervical cancer. It is unclear whether hypothermia and its associated negative outcomes are encountered during this procedure. This prospective observational cohort study aimed to investigate the prevalence and adverse effects of hypothermia during serial brachytherapies under deep sedation for cervical cancer. Female patients over the aged > of 18 years who underwent were taken to serial brachytherapy sessions under deep sedation on alternate dates at most twice a week for the treatment of cervical cancer were included. A total of 23 female were screened for initial and post-procedural hypothermia using infrared thermometers without contact to the skin at forehead between July and October 2022 at tertiary education and research hospital. Hypothermia was detected in 2 2 (8.7%) of the 23 patients and 5 5 (5.4%) of the 92 sessions. A negative correlation was found between the anesthesia time and post-procedural body temperature values (r = −0.385, P < .001). It was observed that there was a decrease in body temperature of at most −1.3 degrees and at least −0.1 degrees during the sessions. A decrease of ≥ 0.4°C was detected in any session in 16 (69.9%) of the 23 patients. A decrease of ≥ 0.4°C was detected in 34 (37%) of the 92 sessions. Involuntary hypothermia may occur during brachytherapy sessions performed under sedation. Institutions should encourage routine temperature monitoring and active warming to prevent hypothermia and adverse outcomes.