Caudal buprenorphine was investigated as a postoperative analgesic in a randominsed double blind study of 45 patients after abdominal surgery. AT the end of surgery, patients were given 0.3mg of caudal buprenorphine in 20 ml saline (n=30, experimental group) or no injection (n=15, control group). Pain relief was evaluated by the subsequent need for systemic analgesic(pethidine). ARterial blood gas and micturition disturbance were evaluated. In the buprenophine group, use of systemic analgesics was significantly reduced for the first 24 hours postoperatively. Arterial blood gas study values 2 hours after buprenorphine administration were within normal range. 8 patients of the buprenorphin group developed urinary retention requiring temporary Nelaton catheterization of the bladder. Caudal buprenorphine for postoperative pain control was a good alternate method of postoperative pain management.