Background: The aim of this study is comparing ACTH changes in epidural and intravenous analgesia technique after lower limb orthopedic surgery.
Methods: In a randomized clinical trial in Hazrat Rasool  Akram Hospital during 1387-88 , 60 patients candidate for surgery on the lower extremities were randomly allocated to receive either postoperative analgesia  with epidural analgesia (PCEA) or IV analgesia (PCIA). Measurement of ACTH levels and Visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed in four relief phases including at the time of arrival to the operating room, immediately after surgery and 12 hours after intravenous pump functionary and 24 hours after surgery were recorded.
Results: The mean level of ACTH and VAS, 24 hours and 12 hours after surgery in the PCEA group were less than PCIA. Ramsey Sedation Score (RSS) in PCEA group at these intervals was more than PCIA cases.
Conclusion: It seems that PCEA relieves pain more effectively than PCIA method. However, the proper method of anesthesia for each patient as well as patients&apos preferences should be considered in selecting the method of postoperative analgesia.