ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To compare ileal anastomoses in the immediate postoperative healing period after meloxicam use. METHODS: Forty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of 21, COX and control group. To COX meloxicam in combination with morphine was given in 3 days period. Control group received only morphine during the same period. Each group was divided into three sub-groups of 7, which were euthanized at 5, 10, and 21 days postoperatively. Comparison was based in histological evaluation of collagen type I and III using sirius red, immunohistochemical through vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. RESULTS: Healing process in scheduled periods did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between the COX and control groups during any of the periods. CONCLUSION: The use of meloxicam in the postoperative period following ileal anastomosis did not affect healing.