ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of total mesorectal excision(TME) for low rectal cancer.MethodsOne hundred nineteen patients with rectal cancer, located on an average within 8 cm of the anal verge, were included in the study. Fiftyfour patients underwent traditional operation, and sixtyfive patients underwent total mesorectal excision. Operation time, loss of blood at operation and local recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe average operation time and blood loss were 118 minutes, and 100mL respectively in TME group, and they were 182 minutes, and 340 ml respectively in traditional operation group. There were significant differences between them(all P<0.05). The local recurrencerates were 9.23% and 35.18% respectively in the two groups（P<0.01）, there was not significantdifference on the hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05). ConclusionsIn TME group, operation time was shorter, operative blood loss was less, and local recurrence rate was lower. TME should be applicated for patients with low rectal cancer.