To observe the clinical outcome of finger anal dilatation in promoting early recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer.

From January 2017 to January 2019, a retrospective analysis was performed in 248 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, including 126 patients underwent fingertip anal dilatation and 122 did not. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS13.0 software. Measurement data such as Exhaust time, defecation time and hospital stay were expressed as mean±standard deviation and were examined by independent t test. Count data such as the incidence of anastomotic leakage were described by (n, %) and were examined by chi square test. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Fingertip anal dilatation was remarkably effective in promoting anal exhaust and defecation and curtailing anastomotic leakage, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).

Finger anal dilatation could promote the early exhaust and defecation of anus and reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic rectal cancer resection, in line with the current concept of rapid rehabilitation surgery, and has a certain clinical application and promotion value.