ObjectiveTo evalute the feasibility of Total mesorectal excision with preservation of superior hypogastricnerve and inferior hypogastric nerve.MethodsSeventy two cases of rectal cancer were divided into2 groups according to whether or not the superior and inferior hypogastric nerves were preserved. Local tumor recurrence, sexual function and bladder function between the 2 groups were compared.ResultsThe localrecurrence rate in nerve preservation group was 3.4% and in the control group was 4.7%, and with no significant difference(P>0.05). Sexual dysfunction was 13.8% and 46.5% respectively, and was significant(P<0.01). ConclusionsTotal mesorectal excision with preservation of superior hypogastric nerve and inferior hypogastric nerve for treatment of rectal cancer could reduce the sexual and bladder dysfunctionrate and result in better quality of life, and without an increase in local recurrence rate.