Objective:To explore the application and efficacy of laparoscopic radical operation for rectal cancer after preoperative shorttime radiotherapy. Methods:The clinical data of 108 patients with Dukes B and C rectal cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Thirtyfive patients underwent laparoscopic radical operation after preoperative shorttime radiotherapy, meanwhile 30 patients underwent laparoscopic radical operation, and 43 patients underwent open operation,both later groups without preoperative radiotherapy. Results:There were not significant differences in preoperative general condition, tumor size and stage, pathological type, site of operation, and mode of operation between the 3 groups. But there was a higher rate of radical resection and sphincter preservation in the laparoscopic operation plus radiotherapy group than in the other groups (P<0.05), and at postoperative followup,there were also lower rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis in the laparoscopic radiotherapy group than in the other groups,while there was no increase in complications. Conclusions:Adjuncted with preoperative shorttime radiotherapy, laparoscopic operation for rectal cancer has higher rates of resection and sphincter preservation.