Objective To observe the effect of thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) combined with serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) on the early recovery of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia. Methods A total of 60 patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were divided into two groups according to the random number table method (n=30): a general anesthesia group (group G) and a TPVB‑SAPB combined with general anesthesia group (group T). Group T received ultrasound⁃guided general anesthesia for TPVB at T6+T9 on the left and for SAPB at the eighth rib on the right. Group G received general anesthesia alone. The dosages of propofol and remifentanil were recorded. The pump pressing times and volume of analgesic drugs 24 h after surgery were documented. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at rest and during cough immediately after extubation (T0), at postoperative 4 h (T1), 8 h (T2), 12 h (T3), and 24 h (T4) were recorded. The time of gastric tube extubation, the time to first annual exhaust, the time to first out⁃of⁃bed activity, and the length of hospitalization stay after surgery were recorded. The incidences of postoperative adverse reactions (nausea and vomiting, inhalation inhibition, agitation and pruritus) were recorded. Results Group T presented reduced dosages of propofol and remifentanil, decreased VAS scores at rest and during cough at T1‒T4, and decreases in the pump pressing times and volume of analgesic drugs 24 h after surgery, compared with group G (P<0.05). The time of gastric tube extubation, the time to first annual exhaust and the time to first out⁃of⁃bed activity in group T were significantly lower than those in group G (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the VAS scores at rest and during cough at T0 and the length of hospitalization stay between two groups (P>0.05). The incidences of postoperative adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, inhalation inhibition, agitation and pruritus decreased in group T, compared with those in group G (P<0.05). Conclusions TPVB‑SAPB can promote the early recovery of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia.