Surgical stress is one of the key factors that promote tumor metastasis and recurrence. Adopting corresponding treatment strategies based on the mechanism of surgical stress promoting tumor metastasis and recurrence is of great significance for improving the postoperative prognosis of tumor patients. This article summarized the mechanisms that may affect surgical stress-induced tumor metastasis and recurrences, such as shedding and colonization of circulating tumor cells, changes in postoperative immune microenvironment and postoperative endocrine hormone levels. It also outlined the treatment strategies related to postoperative hormone levels and cytokine regulation, immunotherapy, and tumor vaccines to provide references for the treatment of tumor metastasis and recurrence after surgery.

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