Abstract: Objective: To analyze the effects of gradual and early rehabilitation exercises in bed on promoting postoperative bowel recovery in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Eighty colorectal cancer patients having radical surgery were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The patients in experimental group began to do rehabilitation exercise in bed gradually 6 hours after the operation under nurses' direction, and the control group received routine care after the operation. Patients' recovery situation of intestinal function was compared between two groups. Results: The recovery time of bowel sounds, the first flatus time, first defecation time, first time of eating liquid and time of meeting the discharge standards were all earlier than those of the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: The gradual and early rehabilitation exercises in bed are safe and feasible, which can effectively promote the early bowel recovery of patients with colorectal cancer after surgery.