Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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While narcotics remain the backbone of perioperative analgesia, the adjunctive role of other analgesics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is being recognized increasingly. This meta-analysis sought to determine whether adjunctive NSAIDs improve postoperative analgesia and reduce cumulative narcotic requirements. ⋯ In patients less than 70 yr of age undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, the adjunctive use of NSAIDs with narcotic analgesia reduces 24-hr VAS pain score and narcotic requirements.