Objective:To compare the postoperative complications rate of total mesorectal excision (TME) performed by laparoscopic and conventional laparotomy method in treatment of rectal cancer.Methods:The clinical data of patients with rectal cancer treated by laparoscopic surgery(n=42) or traditional laparotomy (n=50) were retrospectively analysed to analysis of the cause and occurrence rate of complications. Results:The laparoscopic group had an advantage over the conventional laparotomy group in bowel movement recovery, earlier mobility and short hospital stay time. There was no difference in intraoperative injury, anastomotic leakage, sexual function preservation, longterm urinary dysfunction, and local recurrence or incision metastasis rates. Conclusions:Laparoscopic TME treatment of rectal cancer had the same therapeutic effect as the conventional laparotomy procedure did, and has a better subjective outcome.