A Comparison of preoperative Dexamethasone and Pethidine in the prevention of post-operative operative shivering in patients undergoing simple urologic surgery

Background & Objectives: Post-operative shivering is a common problem following the increased oxygen consumption leading to some other problems such as intracranial and intraocular pressure, and post operation pain. The goal of this study was comparing the effect of Pethedine (Meperidine) and Dexamethasone on prevention of shivering during the simple urological surgeries. Material and Methods: This double blind clinical trial study -was performed on 120 patients who were candidates for simple urologic surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two different groups including those who were received Dexamethasone (D) and Pethedine (P). After pre medication using the Midazolam, Lidocaine, and Fentanyl, similar anesthetic induction was done by injection of Dexamethasone (8mg) and Pethedine (25mg) to the groups D and P, respectively. All the patients were controlled for visible shivering in recovery. Results: There were not any significant differences between two mentioned groups in the case of weight, age, and duration of surgery. Only nine cases (15%) in group D had post-operative shivering. Whereas, twenty six cases in group P (44.3%) had shivering and the difference between 2 groups was significant (P value =0.002). Conclusion: Pethedine and Dexamethasone are effective drugs for the prevention of post-operative shivering in simple urologic surgery. The effect of Dexamethasone in preventing the post – operative shivering was better than Pethidine.