TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCES IN THE OESOPHAGUS: The Effects of Intubation and Ventilation

Abstract

Oesophageal temperature variations during anaesthesia were measured in a number of groups of adult patients. It was found that in the upper half of the oesophagus intubation and controlled ventilation produced a greater degree of cooling than spontaneous breathing through a face-mask. Partial withdrawl of the endotracheal tube resulted in an upward shift of the cooled segment. Reducing the controlled tidal volume increased the mean temperature at the tip of the endotracheal tube and in the related part of the oesophagus. Temperatures in the lower fourth remained stable and it is concluded that the sensing probe should be inserted at least 24 cm below the corniculate cartilages when measuring the oesophageal temperature during anaesthesia.