Objective. To clarify the problem of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia in plastic surgery compared to own survey data.

Material and methods. The authors developed original questionnaire containing questions regarding patient-independent risk factors contributing to hypothermia. Survey was conducted among 118 specialists in plastic surgery. In addition, the PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Reviews / Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Springer, Oxford University Press, Google Scholar, RusMed and RINTS databases were reviewed between 2000 and 2023.

Results. In general, plastic surgeons, especially those related to correction of body contours, underestimate the critically important aspect of intraoperative patient safety (core body temperature fluctuations). About 60% of specialists have no concerns about possible hypothermia. According to various data, surgeries with high risk of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia may be accompanied by 90% probability of this event.

Conclusion. Survey and literature data emphasized the importance of the problem of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia, as well as the need to maintain normal body temperature for patient safety. This clearly indicates the need for further research of this problem, development of prognostic methods and preventive protocols taking into account surgical features of body contouring.

Keywords. patient safety, body temperature, inadvertent perioperative hypothermia, normothermia, questionnaire, patient safety survey, prognosis and prevention of hypothermia