Keeping warm before, during and after an operation

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Keeping warm before, during and after surgery is important, because it can reduce postoperative complications.

If you are very cold (temperature <36 degrees) you may be at greater risk of:

• Heart problems
• Infection
• Blood loss
• Delayed wound healing
• Increased length of hospital stay after the operation

The hospital can be colder than your home so to help us ensure you remain warm:

• Please bring additional warm clothing, such as dressing gown, a vest and slippers.
• Do tell the staff who are caring for you, if you feel cold at any time during your hospital stay.

If you become cold during the operation, you may wake up with a warming blanket in the recovery room.