Efficacy of tramadol in preventing postoperative shivering: A meta-analysis across anesthesia types and dosages

Postoperative shivering is a common complication after anesthesia that can negatively impact patient comfort and metabolic stability. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of tramadol in preventing postoperative shivering across various anesthesia types, dosages, and administration routes. We systematically reviewed 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for tramadol's efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on dosage and administration routes (intravenous vs. oral). Our findings indicate that tramadol significantly reduces postoperative shivering compared to placebo, with the most effective doses being 2.0 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg. Tramadol administered intravenously or orally shows comparable efficacy, although higher doses may increase adverse effects such as nausea and sedation. The study highlights that tramadol's efficacy is consistent across different anesthesia types, and higher intravenous doses offer superior results in specific patient populations. In conclusion, tramadol is an effective and safe anti-shivering agent for postoperative care. It offers significant clinical value, particularly when administered at optimal doses. However, careful monitoring for side effects is recommended, and future studies should explore its long-term safety and optimal usage strategies. Efficacy and safety of Tramadol in postoperative chills.