The Effect of Tramadol on Decreasing Postoperative Shivering

Abstract

Shivering is a well-recognized postoperative complication. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the role of tramadol in decreasing post anesthetic shivering. About 80 patients ASA I and II adult patients, aged between 18-70 years, undergoing general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. They were divided into 2 groups, group 1 (n = 40) received 1 mg/kg of tramadol towards the end of the operation while group 2 (n = 40) received normal saline. Shivering was evaluated during the postoperative period. No difference among patients regarding patient characteristics. In group 1, postoperative shivering was effectively prevented in 36 (90%) and 38 (95%) patient at 15 and 30 min, respectively and none of patients shivered at grade = 3 and grade = 2. However, in group 2, the incidence of shivering was 50 and 57.5% at 15 min and 30, respectively, the difference between 2 groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Tramadol, when given at the end of the operation can decrease the incidence of shivering.