The Journal of otolaryngology
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparative study of acetaminophen-morphine versus rofecoxib-morphine for post-tonsillectomy pain control.
Although we routinely use morphine at our institution, moderate to severe pain often persists for several days after tonsillectomy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs could offer significant relief. Unfortunately, concerns about increased risk of bleeding limit their use. Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2), such as rofecoxib, which do not affect bleeding time, could be an interesting option. ⋯ Rofecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) significantly reduces pain scores after pediatric tonsillectomy. The combination of rofecoxib and morphine is safe and helps children return more quickly to their activities.