Thermal Burn Caused by a Circulating Water Mattress during an Operation: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

A 50-year-old woman underwent left pneumonectomy under general anesthesia. A circulating water mattress covered by a cotton sheet was placed on the operating table, because of an anticipated prolonged surgical time. The mattress's temperature regulator was set at 37oC. After 7 hours of operation in the right lateral decubitus position, 10 x 8 cm sized mixed first- and second-degree burn was found on the right greater trochanteric area, the main weight-bearing site. Although healing occurred without skin graft or complication, this case emphasizes the importance of vigilance to avoid pressure sores and thermal burn injuries during prolonged operations using a circulating water mattress.