[Postoperative analgesia with rofecoxib. How effective is the preoperative application of a 25 mg dose?].

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of 25 mg rofecoxib.

METHODS

In a randomized, prospective double-blind study we investigated the analgesic efficacy of 25 mg rofecoxib in 62 patients scheduled for minor trauma surgery. Patients received 2 h before induction of anesthesia either 25 mg rofecoxib (verum) orally or placebo. These applications were repeated postoperatively after 24 h. Postoperative pain intensity was measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS). All patients were allowed to order piritramid from a PCA-device (bolus 2 mg, lockout 5 min in the recovery room, 15 min on the ward) for 24 h after surgery. 10/20/30 min, as well as 1/2/4/6 h and 24 h after surgery cumulated doses of piritramid, pain scores (0-10) and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

Pain relief and cumulated doses of piritramid in both groups were comparable at all points in time. There were no significant differences in the incidence of side effects between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative application of 25 mg rofecoxib is not effective for postoperative analgesia in patients after minor trauma surgery.