Background Surgical stress depressed NK and T helper cell activity, which is the one of the reasons for tumor postoperative metastasis and recurrence. Recent research focused on the influence of anesthesia method and drugs on NK, T helper cell activity and tumor postoperative metastasis and recurrence. Objective The paper discussed the mechanism of surgical stress on NK and T helper cell activity to guide the choice of anesthesia method and drugs in order to decrease the opportunity of tumor postoperative metastasis and recurrence. Content The impact of NK and T helper cells on tumor postoperative metastasis and recurrence was concluded. Surgery influence the NK and T helper cells function through five main areas: neuroendocrine, inflammation, HPA axis, hypothemia and blood transfusion. β-receptor blocker, COX inhibitor, good analgesia and careful selection of inhalation as well as intravenous anesthetics can eliminate the surgery stress on NK and T helper cells. Trend Good choice of anesthesia method and drugs may decrease tumor postoperative metastasis and recurrence. But plenty of prospective studies are required.