Comparison of Efficacy of Intravenous Tramadol versus Normal Saline in Suppression of Postoperative Shivering in Patients undergoing Elective Surgery

Abstract

Background: Shivering in the post anesthesia care unit is a common and distressing complication for patients after receiving general or regional anesthesia. Perioperative hypothermia has been associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. Both central and peripheral thermoregulation is impaired by regional anesthesia. Thermoregulatory system synchronizes with defense system to maintain body’s heat and coolness within the narrow range, thus improving the normal functioning. Objective: To compare the efficacy of intravenous tramadol versus normal saline in suppression of postoperative shivering in patients undergoing elective surgery. Design: It was a randomized control trial. Study Settings: Trial was conducted at Department of Anesthesiology and ICU, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, for a period of one year w.e.f 7-11-2019 to 7-11-20. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 patients with age 18 years and above from both the genders undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were included in the study and divided into two equal groups randomly. Patients in tramadol group were given tramadol 0.5mg/kg I/V and patients of control group were given 0.9% normal saline 5ml I/V. Results: In tramadol groups the mean age of patients was 27.88±2.79 years while the mean age of the patients from placebo group was 27.84±4.23 years. In this study the efficacy was achieved in 37(74.0%) patients. In control group the efficacy was achieved in 15(60%) patients and in tramadol group the efficacy was achieved in 22(88.0%) patients (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: According to this study the intravenous tramadol is safe and effective drug in suppression of postoperative shivering in patients undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia. Keywords: Intravenous Tramadol, Spinal Anesthesia, Shivering, Elective Surgery.