Objective This paper investigates the analgesic effects of ultrasound‑guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer. Methods Patients undergoing laparoscopic radical surgery of colorectal cancer with general anesthesia, were divided into two groups according to random number table method (n=45)： TAPB group and QLB group. Bilateral subcostal TAPB was performed under ultrasound guidance in TAPB group after the patients were awake and had the endotracheal tube removed. Bilateral paravertebral approach to QLB was performed under ultrasound guidance in GLB group. Patients in both groups were given patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). Time of operation, blood loss, fluid infusion, remifentanil consumption and the number of patients using atropine were recorded during operation. Information about diffusion planes of nerve block, the pressing times of PCIA during 0‒6 h, 6‒12 h and 12‒24 h after the operation, as well as the postoperative complications were also recorded. Results There were no significant difference in time of operation, blood loss, fluid infusion, remifentanil consumption and the number of patients using atropine between the two groups (P>0.05). TAPB diffused to the area innervated by the T10‒Ll spinal nerves，whereas QLB diffused to the area innervated by T7‒Ll spinal nerves. Compared with TAPB group, the pressing times of PCIA in QLB group significantly decreased during 0‒6 h, 6‒12 h and 12‒24 h (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and vertigo was markedly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusions QLB provides more effective and longer lasting analgesia than TAPB in patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer.