Preoperative analgesia management with rofecoxib in thoracotomy patients.
OBJECTIVE
Pain management after thoracotomy is significant because pain reduces the postoperative respiratory performance. In this study, the analgesic efficacy and safety of rofecoxib in thoracotomy patients were evaluated.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
This study was performed in the Meram Medical School of Selcuk University Departments of Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesiology.


METHODS
Sixty patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery via thoracotomy were randomized to receive either oral placebo or rofecoxib, 50 mg, 1 hour before surgery.


METHODS
All patients received a standard anesthetic. Pain scores, sedation scores, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, analgesic requirements, and side effects were noted 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 32, 40, and 48 hours after operation.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the 2 study groups with respect to demographics, sedation score, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative drainage. Compared with placebo, morphine consumption and pain scores at rest and during coughing were significantly lower with rofecoxib.


CONCLUSIONS
The preoperative administration of rofecoxib, 50 mg, provides significant analgesia for postoperative pain relief and decreases additional opioid requirements after thoracotomy.
Celik
Jale Bengi
JB
Department of Anesthesiology, Meram Medical School of Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey. jalecelik@hotmail.com
Gormus
Niyazi
N
Gormus
Zulfikare Isk
ZI
Okesli
Selmin
S
Solak
Hasan
H
D000328:Adult; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*
D007783:Lactones; D013450:Sulfones; C116926:rofecoxib