Background: postoperative ileus is a common complication of colorectal resection, it leads to higher morbidity and mortality, higher cost, and prolonged hospital stayMethods: 2 groups of patients scheduled for colorectal resection; first group received combined general and epidural anesthesia with postoperative epidural analgesia, the second group received general anesthesia with postoperative patient controlled analgesia. Postoperative bowel function was assessed by time to first bowel movement, time to first gas, volume of nasogastric output postoperative. Postoperative vital signs and Visual analogue score of pain also were assessed. Serum cortisol, glucose, and lactate were measured as stress mediatorsResults: combined general and epidural anesthesia group showed faster returning of bowel function and less pain than the other groupConclusion: epidural anesthesia provides more pain control and helps to fastens postoperative bowel function after colorectal resection