Objective To explore whether stellate ganglion block (SGB) can influence stress response and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly Uighurs and Hans with hypertension undergoing cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Methods In this study 30 Uighur and 30 Han patients aged 60-70 y undergoing cholecystectomy were respectively analyzed and randomly assigned to SGB group and NSGB group (15 in each group). The cognitive function of these patients was evaluated by Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) 1 d before operation and 1, 3 and 7 d after operation. The four groups received the same induction medicine with Midazolam, Propofol, Sufentanil and Atracurium, whereas the SGB groups were administered right-side SGB before anesthesia and after operation. After intubation, the patients inhaled 1% Sevoflurane and 2 L/min O2, and were given target-controlled infusion of Propofol 2-3 μg/ml and Remifentanil 1-2 ng/ml to maintain bispectral index (BIS) value at 45-55. Serum cortisol (Cor), C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 were measured before induction, 1 h after the start of the operation, at the end of the operation and 24 h after operation. Results The occurrence rate of POCD reduced with the increasing time after operation. POCD occuring rate in the NSGB Uighurs group was lower than that in the NSGB Hans group (P < 0.05). POCD occuring rate in the SGB groups was lower than that in the NSGB groups (P < 0.05). Cor concentration in the NSGB groups was higher than that in the SGB groups 1 h after the start of the operation, at the end of the operation and 24 h after operation (P < 0.05). CRP concentration in the SGB groups was lower than that in the NSGB groups 1 h after the start of the operation and at the end of the operation (P < 0.05). Cor, CRP or IL-6 concentration had no significant difference between Uighurs and Hans (P > 0.05). The dosages of anesthetic drugs such as Remifentanil and Propofol in the Uighurs group were higher than those in the Hans group (P < 0.05). The dosages of Remifentanil and Propofol in the NSGB group were higher than those in the SGB group (P < 0.05). Conclusions POCD often occurs in old patients and has a lower occurrence rate in Uighurs than in Hans. SGB is conducive to decrease the occuring rate of POCD and restrain stress response. Whether Cor and CRP are somewhat relevant to POCD needs further study.