Summary A technique of epidural analgesia for partial gastrectomy is described, using 1.5 per cent lignocaine with adrenaline. Satisfactory operating conditions were provided in 234 of the 250 patients reviewed. No serious complications occurred that with certainty could be attributed to the anaesthetic technique. One patient died 10 days after operation. The results confirm that the method is practical and safe and has advantages in patients with some pulmonary disorders. Lack of bleeding and contraction of the gut during operation are advantageous to the surgeon.