Abstract: AIM: To observe the effect of preemptive etoricoxib on postoperative PCA in the major gynecological surgery.METHODS: 40 patients who underwent major gynecological surgery were selected randomly to receive placebo or etoricoxib 120 mg before surgery.The PCA morphine consumption in 24 hours was recorded and patients'satisfaction was evaluated by 0-10 scores.At the same time, side effects were also recorded.RESULTS: Postoperative 24 hours PCA morphine consumption in etoricoxib group was 9.4±7.6 mg, and it was significant lower than which in placebo group 15.7±8.9 mg.The overall PCA attempts was also lower in etoricoxib group than in placebo group(P <0.05).The first 6 hours and first 12 hours morphine consumption of PCA had no significant difference between two groups.There were no significant differences of patients'satisfaction and side effects rates between two groups.CONCLUSION: The preemptive etoricoxib 120mg in major gynecological surgery may decrease postoperative PCA morphine consumption, especially 12 hours after operation.Patients'satisfaction score have no improvements and no significant side effects caused by etoricoxib were found.

Key words: etoricoxib, COX-2 inhibitor, patientcontrolled analgesia, morphine