Preoperative rofecoxib oral suspension as an analgesic adjunct after lower abdominal surgery: the effects on effort-dependent pain and pulmonary function.

Unlabelled: Rofecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor that reduces pain and inflammation without inhibiting platelet function. We examined its effects on effort-dependent pain, postoperative morphine requirements, and pulmonary function in 48 patients recovering from open abdominal surgery. Spirometric measurement of forced expiratory volume(1) and vital capacity (FVC) were assessed preoperatively.