Objective：To compare the safety and effectiveness of routine drainage and no-drainage regimes after selective colorectal cancer radical resection. 
Methods：All patients received selective colorectal cancer radical resection were randomly divided into two groups: group I (no-drains,n=59), group II (with drains,n=61).The incidence of anastomotic leak and complications specific to the drain, as well as other complications were compared in the 2 groups.
Results：The mean length of postoperative stay was (12.8±2.7)d in group I and (13.1±2.8)d in group II (P＞0.05),and postoperative days for oral intake were  (5.2±1.8)d in group I and (5.5±1.6)d in group II(P＞0.05).No significant difference was noted in the incidence of postoperative complications between the no-drain group and the drain group(11.9% vs. 13.1%,P＞0.05); however, the pain index in group 1 was significantly lower that in group II (P<0.05).
Conclusions：No routine abdominal drainage after colorectal cancer radical resection is safe and reliable, and routine abdominal drinage to prevent anastomotic leak and other complications is unnecessary.