Oesophageal temperature differences in children.

It has been shown that the temperature of the oesophagus in the anaesthetized and intubated adult is not uniform along its length. There is an area below the distal end of the endotracheal tube that is affected by ventilation and the temperature of the inspired gases. This area does not extend into the lowest quarter of the oesophagus (Stupfel and Severinghaus, 1956; Whitby and Dunkin, 1963, 1969). The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that similar oesophageal temperature differences are found in children and to suggest a rough guide as to how far an oesophageal temperature probe should be inserted if these misleading ventilatory effects are to be avoided. An opportunity has also been taken of comparing pharyngeal and lower oesophageal temperatures in infants.