BACKGROUND: A postoperative ileus after anesthesia and surgery may be bothersome to recovery and prolong hospitalization periods. The object of this study was to investigate the effect of lidocaine and ketorolac combined to fentanyl IV PCA on the recovery of bowel function after surgery. METHODS: Forty-nine patients undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into three groups (F, FT, LFT). All patients received IV PCA for postoperative pain control. PCA contents were fentanyl 1,000 microgram only in saline 100 ml in group F (n = 16) and fentanyl 500 microgram-ketorolac 150 mg in saline 100 ml in group FT (n = 17) and LFT (n = 16). Group LFT received a lidocaine bolus (1.5 mg/kg) before induction and a continuous infusion of lidocaine (2 mg/min) until one hour after surgery. We measured postoperative pain scores (at postoperative 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours) and checked the first flatus time, the first defecation time, and the side effects. RESULTS: The intravenous lidocaine infusion group showed better pain scores at postoperative 1 hour only. The FT and LFT groups provided a more rapid return of bowel function than group F. A combined infusion of lidocaine and ketorolac had no difference in the return of bowel function. There were no significantly different incidences of nausea, vomiting and other side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac allowed an earlier recovery of bowel function after surgery. However, an additional infusion of lidocaine was not helpful in the return of bowel function.