Objective To compare the application effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block(TAPB)and quadratus lumborum block(QLB)in elderly patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.Method A total of 92 elderly patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer were divided into QLB group(n=44,ultrasound-guided QLB program)and TAPB group(n=48,ultrasound-guided TAPB program)accord-ing to different regional nerve block programs.The postoperative total dosage of sufentanil,postoperative recovery,sero-logical indexes[5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),prostaglandin E2(PGE2)]and incidence of adverse reactions were com-pared between the two groups.Result At 2,6,12 and 24 h after operation,the total dosage of sufentanil in QLB group were lower than those in TAPB group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative recov-ery time,first time of getting out of bed and first time of anal exhaust in QLB group were shorter than those in TAPB group,the total incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that in TAPB group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).At 24 h after operation,the serum PGE2 and 5-HT levels in two groups were higher than those be-fore operation,the serum PGE2 and 5-HT levels in QLB group were lower than those in TAPB group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The application of ultrasound-guided QLB in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer can reduce postoperative sufentanil dosage,promote postoperative recov-ery,alleviate postoperative pain,and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions.