ABSTRACT
Postoperative hypothermia is common in high-risk patients, particularly following prolonged or complex procedures, especially body cavity surgery. Hypothermia may result in shivering, confusion and delayed recovery from anaesthesia. These in turn lead to increased oxygen consumption, poor respiratory function and more frequent cardiorespiratory complications. High-risk patients have a higher likelihood of poor nutritional status as a result of their underlying pathology, compounded by ileus/being denied postoperative nutritional intake, poor appetite or simply experiencing difficulty feeding themselves (Summary box 16.2).
