RESUMO
BACKGROUND: 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 an 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 patient- controlled 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.