Different types of analgesia may affect the rate of recovery of gastrointestinal function after colon surgery. Methods: Sixty-six patients undergoing colon surgery which including right and left hemicolectomy, anterior resection and Miles' operation were categorized into four groups. All groups received a general anesthesia. Control group, in surgical ward the patients received adjuvant analgesics on request postoperatively. Group M received a intraoperative bolus epidural morphine followed by

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... n infusion of morphine. Group MB received a intraoperative bolus of epidural morphine followed by an infusion of bupivacaine and morphine. Group PCA received a intraoperative bolus of intravenous morphine followed by patientcontrolled morphine postoperatively. Results: Ambulation, oral feeding and duration of hospitalization were not differed among groups. Group MB, recovered gastrointestinal function approximately 30 hours earlier than Group PCA(p<0.05) Conclusion: Epidural analgesia with bupivacaine and morphine accelerated postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function. (Korean J Anesthesiol 1998; 34: 383~388)