ObjectiveTo explore the effects and the side effects of different pattems of postoperative analgesia. MethodsThe data of postoperative analgesia in 725 patients underwent obstetrics and gynecology operation was analysed retrospectively, patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA) with 352 cases (PCIA group) or patient-controlled epidural analgesia(PCEA ) with 373 cases(PCEA group ). The analgesic effect, sedation scale and side effects were compared. ResultsThe analgesic effect and sedation scale at 12,24 h after operation in PCEA group was lower than that in PCIA group(P ＜0.05). The incidence of vomiting in PCEA group was lower than that in PCIA group [6.4％(24/373) vs. 9.9％(35/352)], the incidence of itchy skin and infection in PCEA group were higher than those in PCIA group [4.8％(18/373)vs. 2.6％ (9/352), 3.2％( 12/373 ) vs. 0], there was significant difference between two groups (P ＜ 0.05 ). Old people fell less pain than wrinkly and young people (P＜0.05). ConclusionsThe effect of PCEA is better than PCIA. Paresthesia is main in PCEA. Vomiting is more in PCIA. Old people feel less pain than wrinkly and young people. So postoperative analgesia is selected by concrete conditions.