The effect of adding sufentanyl or pethidine to intrathecal marcaine for prevention of post-operative shivering in patients undergoing herniated disk surgery

Abstract

Background: Shivering is one of the most common post-operative complications and there are several recommended preventive methods. In this study the preventive effect of adding pethidine or sufentanyl for postoperative shivering in herniated disk surgery was evaluated. Methods: In this clinical-trial study 126 candidates for herniated disk surgery were selected and randomly divided in three groups. 0.5 ml normal saline, 0.5 ml sufentanyl and 0.5 ml pethidine were added to marcaine in the first, second and third groups, respectively and post-operative shivering was compared between the three groups. Findings: the mean score of post-operative shivering in the three groups of normal saline, sufentanyl and pethidine was 2.40 ± 0.66, 1.88 ± 1.10 and 1.07 ± 0.34, respectively and this difference was statistically different (P = 0.002). Also, according to LSD post Hoc test report, the difference between normal saline and sufentanyl group (P < 0.001) and between pethidine and normal saline (P < 0.001) was statistically different. Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, adding sufentanyl to marcaine does not decrease the incidence of post-operative shivering in herniated disk surgery compared to adding pethidine. But, the incidence and severity of shivering is lowered when compared to the control group. Hence, because of its availability, low cost and small effects of Sufentanyl on patients’ hemodynamics, it can be used in order to prevent post-operative shivering, pain, vomiting and nausea. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.