BACKGROUND: Continuous epidural block after surgery has been able to get better postoperative analgesic effect than intermittent intravenous (IV) opioids and to decrease the duration of mechanical ventilatory support, endotracheal intubation and ICU stay. The purpose of this study is to observe these effects of continuous epidural block after cardiac surgery. METHODS: 30 patients, undergoing cardiac surgery, were divided into 2 groups. Postoperative analgesia were performed by intermittent IV meperidine 25 mg in group 1 and by continuous epidural block with 1% mepivacaine 100 ml and morphine 4 mg in group 2. Both groups were supplemented, at the patient's request, by IV meperidine 25 mg as needed. Quality of pain relief, total number of IV meperidine and duration of consciousness return, mechanical ventilatory support, endotracheal intubation, ICU stay were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: Quality of pain relief and total number of IV meperidine were significantly lower in group 2 than group 1, each time interval. Duration of consciousness return, mechanical ventilatory support, endotracheal intubation, ICU stay and time interval between consciousness return & mechanical ventilatory support were significantly shorter in group 2 than group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous epidural block, with 1% mepivacaine 100 ml and morphine 4 mg, for postoperative analgesia decreases the duration of intensive care compaered with intermittent IV meperidine 25 mg, after cardiac surgery.