Objective To compare the efficacy of sevoflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for cancer.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅱ - Ⅲ patients aged 65-80 years old with gastric cancer were divided into sevoflurane group(group S) and propofol group (group P), 30 cases in each group.Perioperative hemodynamic variables, bispectral index( BIS ) values and the time of recovery from anesthesia, extubation and awake were recorded as well.Results Compared with those before anesthesia,diastolic blood pressure(DBP),mean arterial pressure(MAP), heart rate(HR) and BItS were signifieanfly decreased (P < 0.05 or < 0.01 ).SBP was higher at cutting skin in group S than that in group P (P < 0.05 ).The depths of anesthesia in both groups were maintained well with BIS in 45-60 and vital signs were stable during operation.The time of recovery from anesthesia, extubafion and awake were shorter in group S [(4.1±2.2),(5.4±2.1),(7.3±2.1)min]thanthoseingroupP [(7.5±3.2),(8.6± 4.2), ( 11.2 ± 4.1 ) min]( P < 0.05 or < 0.01 ).Conclusions Either sevoflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil anesthesia can be used safely in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for cancer.Sevotlurane-remifentanil combined with anesthesia provides better hemodynamic stability and faster recovery than propofol-remifentanil combined with anesthesia in elderly patients.