Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic-assisted intersphincteric resection for ultra-low rectal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 68 patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted intersphincteric resection for ultra-low rectal cancer (laparoscopic group) between January 2010 and June 2012, along with 76 patients undergoing open intersphincteric resection for ultra-low rectal cancer (open surgery group) during the same period were retrospectively studied. The clinical parameters and efficacies between the two groups were compared. Results: Operations were successfully performed in all the 144 patients, and no open conversion was required in laparoscopic group. In laparoscopic group compared with open surgery group, the operative time was prolonged [(243.7±40.4) min vs. (150.5±32.1) min], but the intraoperative blood loss [(103.2±10.5) mL vs. (231.6±23.5) mL], number of cases with postoperative incision infection ( 1 vs. 8), time to flatus [(2.5±0.6) d vs. (4.6±0.5) d], and length of hospital stay [(10.5±0.4) d vs. (14.6±0.3) d] were all decreased, and all the differences had statistical significance (all P<0.05); the difference in number of resected lymph nodes, and number of cases who developed anastomotic fistula or intestinal obstruction, as well as the 1-year postoperative survival between the two groups had no statistical significance (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopic-assisted intersphincteric resection for ultra-low rectal cancer is safe and efficient, and it also offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness and reduced postoperative incision infection.