Objective: To compare the effect of ropivacaine or lidocaine for stellate ganglion block (SGB) on early postoperative intestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic intestinal surgery. Methods: A total of 125 patients scheduled for laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery were divided into ropivacaine group (group R, n=62) or lidocaine group (group L, n=63) according to different preoperative SGB medications, who received 0.2% ropivacaine 4 mL or 1% lidocaine 4 mL for ultrasound-guided SGB before surgery, correspondingly. The time to first flatus and the recovery rate of bowel sounds at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after surgery and the I-FEED scoring system were compared between the two groups to evaluate the impairment of gastrointestinal function. The quality of recovery score (QoR-15), including preoperative and postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, the postoperative pain score (NRS), and rescue analgesia utilization rate were compared between the two groups. Results: Compared with group L, the first flatus after surgery was shorter in group R (P<0.05), and the recovery rate of bowel sounds was higher in group R at 36, 48 and 60 h after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the outcomes of the gastrointestinal impairment rate, QoR-15 score, resting NRS score, and rescue analgesia rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: When performing SGB before surgery, 0.2% ropivacaine is more beneficial than 1% lidocaine for postoperative bowel function recovery, shorter anal exhaust time, and faster recovery of bowel sounds in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.