NSAIDs and postoperative recovery

COX-2–selective NSAIDs are preferred postoperatively because, unlike nonselective NSAIDs, they do not impair platelet function and are associated with reduced perioperative blood loss.

Current evidence suggests that COX-2–selective NSAIDs do not impair bone healing or increase the risk of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery; evidence for nonselective NSAIDs is conflicting.

If a patient is haemodynamically unstable postoperatively, or is at risk of haemodynamic instability, do not use COX-2–selective or nonselective NSAIDs.