Proactive Temperature Management in CRS-HIPEC for Prevention of Delirium

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) imposes a formidable physiologic burden, involving extensive resections and a distinctive thermal paradox. Patients typically experience a prolonged cytoreductive phase prone to inadvertent hypothermia, followed by protocol-driven hyperthermia during the perfusion phase. This rapid thermal fluctuation may disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity and amplify neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to postoperative delirium (POD).

Despite these risks, perioperative thermoregulation often remains reactive, with interventions initiated only after temperature thresholds are violated. Evidence-based recommendations for managing the iatrogenic heat load inherent to HIPEC remain undefined.

This single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial aims to address this gap. Eligible adult patients scheduled for elective CRS-HIPEC are randomized to receive either proactive Goal-Directed Temperature Management (GDTM) or Usual Care. The GDTM protocol utilizes a phase-based algorithm, including specific targets for normothermia during resection and a "thermal buffer" created by anticipatory cooling prior to the hyperthermic phase. The Usual Care group receives standard reactive management where interventions are triggered primarily by observed threshold violations.

The primary endpoint is the incidence of POD within the first 7 postoperative days. Secondary endpoints include delirium-free days, intraoperative thermal exposure metrics, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and 30-day major complications.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (aged 18-80 years).

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status of I to III.

Scheduled for elective Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP).

Written informed consent obtained from the participant or legally authorized representative.

Exclusion criteria

• Known diagnosis of dementia, major neurocognitive disorder, or severe psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia) documented in the medical record.

Acute central nervous system pathology likely to confound delirium assessment (e.g., recent stroke, active seizure disorder, or traumatic brain injury).

Severe sensory or language barriers precluding valid cognitive screening (e.g., profound deafness or blindness, or language barriers not correctable with translation).

Preoperative coma, mechanical ventilation, or deep sedation precluding reliable baseline assessment.

Emergency surgery or repeat CRS-HIPEC during the same hospital admission.

History of alcohol or substance abuse likely to precipitate withdrawal symptoms.