Post Operative Shivering: Prophylactic Effects of Ketamine and Pethidine, A Comparative Study in Tertiary Care Hospital.

Abstract

Introduction: Postanesthetic shivering is one of the common problems following general anesthesia and an accompanying part of general anesthesia with different unpleasant and stressful consequences for patients undergoing surgery. Postoperative shivering may lead to multiple complications. Hence, its proper management is necessary for both treatment and prevention. This study aim was to compare the prophylactic effects of ketamine and pethidine in preventing postoperative shivering in general anesthesia. Methods: In this prospective study, patients aged from 21years to72 years were taken for study who has been scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia and they were randomized into two groups. Each group received intravenous (IV) pethidine, and IV ketamine. The frequency of shivering was determined immediately after surgery, and at 10. 20. And 30 minutes, postoperatively. Results: Each group included 27 patients. Mean values of central temperature in the recovery room were significantly different between the 2 groups (p < 0.05). However, the differences were not significant during surgery but Postoperative shivering was reported in 14.9% and 3.7% of patients in ketamine and pethidine groups, Conclusions: The result of this study showed that Ketamine and Pethidine might reduce postoperative shivering. pethidine seems to be the most appropriate choice for preventing postoperative shivering.