Retrospective Validation of New Simulation Software to Prevent Perioperative Hypothermia in Major Urologic Abdominal Surgery

Background. Perioperative hypothermia is still a major problem. Therefore, it would be useful to predict which warming method would prevent perioperative hypothermia in a particular patient. Methods. The simulation software “ThermoSim Vers. 5.07” was validated using the data of two prospective, randomized, and controlled studies. The diagnostic effectiveness was assessed by calculating sensitivity and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) in the detection of perioperative hypothermia. Results. Sensitivity of the software was 100% (Study 1) and 94% (Study 2), specificity was 67% (Study 1) and 38% (Study 2), PPV was 60% (Study 1) and 50% (Study 2), and NPV was 100% (Study 1) and 90% (Study 2). Conclusions. The software is helpful in predicting which warming method is necessary to prevent perioperative hypothermia. Thermal treatment based on the prediction of the software will lead to some overtreatment, but will prevent perioperative hypothermia reliably.