Objective To research the effects of recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on nitrogen balance and nutritional state of the patients following major abdominal surgery. Methods We randomly selected 45 patients receiving TPN after major abdominal surgery and distributed them to study group (rhGH+TPN, n＝30) and control group (TPN only, n＝15). For 7 days after operation, every one was given rhGH 4u or replaced by hypodermic injection of normal saline (control group). Results TPN+rhGH promoted the rehabilitant of nitrogen balance, heightened the level of plasma albumin and transferrin and increased the weight and creatinin/height index (CHI), but the thickness of triceps skin fold (TSF) had no significant change in patients following major abdominal surgery. Conclusion The rhGH can improve the effects of TPN.