BACKGROUND: This study has the intent to quantify the caloric energy loss that occurs when a laparotomy is done and the bowel is exposed to room temperature in rats; to find the thermodynamic loss measured in watt/m² over the rat peritoneal area exposed and discuss ways to manage that heat loss. METHODS: This research project used 30 male rats, Wistar, separated in 5 groups of 6 animals, from 8 to 9 weeks old and weighting between 200 to 220g. Group A animals, the control group, received inhalation general anesthesia only. Group B rats were submitted to a median laparotomy with bowel loops exposure to open room temperature. Groups C, D and E rats were subjected to median laparotomy with bowel loops exposure to open room temperature and treated with wet sponge, dry sponge and polyester film packing, respectively. RESULTS: The result showed there is a significant 620,72 kJ/m² heat energy loss with laparotomy procedures and bowel loops exposure to room temperature in a non-monitored environment. The thermodynamic loss analysis showed, due to rat exposed body surface, there was a 382,97 W/m² heat loss. CONCLUSION: Different types of treatment assessments used in this research showed the most effective method for maintaining heat was the polyester film use (PVC), when compared to t wet sponge and/or dry sponge methods, respectively.
Hypothermia; Environmental exposure; Body temperature regulations; Rats Wistar
