Effect of meloxicam on postoperative pain after abdominal hysterectomy

We studied 36 patients, allocated randomly to receive meloxicam 15 mgrectally (n = 18) or placebo suppository (n = 18) before total abdominalhysterectomy in a double-blind study. Visual analogue scores for pain atrest (P < 0.005), on movement (P < 0.05) and on coughing (P <0.05) were significantly decreased in the meloxicam group during the first24 h after surgery. Mean 24-h PCA morphine requirements were 33.2 (SD 16.9)mg and 38.2 (20.8) mg in the meloxicam and placebo groups, respectively(ns). There was no difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting orsedation between groups.