Effect of Intravenous Ketamine on Prevention of Postoperative Shivering: A Comparison with Intravenous Pethedine

Introduction: Postoperative shivering is one of the common problems following general anesthesia and may lead to multiple complications. This study aimed to compare the impact of Ketamine and Pethidine on postoperative shivering.  Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, one hundred and thirty-five patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were recruited for the study. The patients were randomly divided to groups received Normal Saline, Ketamine or Pethidine at the end of surgery. The frequency of shivering was determined immediately after surgery, and at 10. 20. And 30 minutes, postoperatively. Results: In zero time the rate of shivering was more severe than other times in the three groups. Also the rate of postoperative shivering was significance less different in the pethedine and Ketamine groups than the Normal Saline group. However, no significant difference was seen between the pethedine and Ketamine groups. Conclusions: The result of this study showed that exactly after operation, the rate of postoperative shivering was more severe than other times in 3 groups. Ketamine and Pethidine might reduce postoperative shivering with no significant difference.