BackgroundThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of Narcotrend (NT) monitoring on cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing anesthesia blockade for gastrointestinal tumors and its effect on cerebral oxygen metabolism and inflammatory response.MethodsPatients preparing to undergo resection of gastrointestinal tumor resection were included and randomly divided into a control group (depth of anesthesia assessed by physician experience) and a research group (depth of anesthesia monitored by NT). HR and MAP were monitored at the preoperatively (T0), 12 h postoperative (T1), 24 h postoperative (T2), and 48 h postoperative (T3) stages. MMSE score was recorded to assess changes in cognitive function. Intracerebral oxygenation indicators (CjvO2, CERO2, and rSO2) were assessed by a blood gas analyzer. ELISA assay was conducted to explore the serum inflammatory indexes (CRP, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and neurological function indicators (NSE and MBP).ResultsMAP was higher in the research group than in the control group at T1 and T2 (P < 0.05). MMSE scores at T1, T2, and T3 stages were higher in the research group than in the control (P < 0.05). The incidence of POCD was also lower in the research group compared with the control (P < 0.05). CjvO2, CERO2, and rSO2 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and were positively correlated with the MMSE scores. Postoperative serum inflammatory indexes were significantly elevated in both groups, but more significantly in the control group (P < 0.05). Both neurological function indicators were usually reduced after surgery, but the reduction was more significant in the research group (P < 0.05).ConclusionNT monitoring of anesthetic depth has a less physical impact on patients with gastrointestinal tumor anesthetic block, reduces the degree of postoperative POCD, and has significant clinical value.