RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate efficacy of dexmedetomidine in preventing shivering after general anesthesia in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty patients scheduled for laparoscopic gynecological surgery were randomized into dexmedetomidine group (n=40) and control group (n=40) to receive 1.0 µg/kg dexmedetomidine or an equal volume of saline slowly injected (for over 10 min) at 30 min before the anticipated completion of surgery. The postoperative incidences of shivering and the side effects were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients in the control group showed a significantly higher postoperative incidence of shivering (37.5%) than those in dexmedetomidine group (P<0.05). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure showed significant variations postoperatively in dexmedetomidine group (P<0.05), which had a significantly greater sedation score (P<0.05), a higher incidence of dry mouth (P=0.000), but a significantly lower incidence of nausea and vomiting than the control group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dexmedetomidine can lower the incidence of shivering after general anesthesia for laparoscopic gynecological surgery.</p>