BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is considered to be caused by the activation of spinal reflexes originating from the abdominal cavity with the sympathetic nerves as the efferent nerves. Epidural anesthesia as a perioperative adjunct has been shown to provide superior pain control, and has been implicated in more rapid postoperative ileus resolution possibly through a sympathetic block mechanism. This study was undertaken to compare the effects of epidural morphine-lidocaine with those of epidural morphine alone on postoperative bowel motility and pain. METHODS: Forty-four ASA I or II women scheduled for transabdominal hysterectomy were considered for the study. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Group M (n = 22) received postoperative epidural morphine 16 mg by infusion pump, 2 ml/h, for 2 days, group ML (n = 22) received morphine 16 mg plus 0.42% lidocaine by infusion pump, 2 ml/h, for 2 days. Both group received morphine 4 mg in 0.5% lidocaine 8 ml epidurally as a single bolus when the peritoneum was closed. Postoperative pain, and the time interval from termination of operation to the first passage of flatus were checked RESULTS: In group ML, the times for first passing of flatus (33.4 +/- 10.5 h; mean +/- SD) and visual analogue scale score (0.3 +/- 0.6) were significantly shorter and lower than in group M (flatus 42.6 +/- 8.4 h and VAS score 1.3 +/- 1.7). CONCLUSIONS: The epidural lidocaine infused with morphine demonstrated earlier recovery of bowel motility and better postoperative pain relief than the epidural morphine alone.