Anesthesia and postoperative shivering: its etiology, treatment and prevention.

Postoperative shivering following anesthesia varies between 5 and 65%. The etiology of postoperative shivering is unclear. Pharmacologic agents are still the most popular mode of treatment for postanesthetic shivering, such as meperidine, clonidine and physostigmine. Nonpharmacologic approaches such as maintaining ambient temperature and warming air blankets and intravenous infusions remain as effective preventive measures for postoperative shivering. This review will address its etiology, treatment and prevention.