To investigate the clinical significance of Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) combined with lateral lymph node dissection for middle/low rectal cancer.

From January 2013 to December 2014, retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed in 73 patients with middle/low rectal cancer. According to different surgical methods, 73 patients were divided into the combined group (39 cases) and the TME group (34 cases). Statistical analysis of clinical data were performed by using SPSS 24.0 software. Measurement data such as perioperative indicators were expressed as (±s) and examined by using independent sample t-test. Count data such as postoperative complications were examined by using χ² test. The survival was analyzed by using K-M method and log-rank test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered as significant difference.

The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume in the TME group were less than those in the combined group respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of the postoperative exhaust time, postoperative hospitalization, the incidence of complications, incidence of sexual dysfunction or dysuria and local recurrence rate of 1 and 3 years after operation (P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate of the combined group was 7.7%, which was lower than 26.5% in the TME group (P<0.05); The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival of TME group were 82.4%, 61.8% and 52.9%, while the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival of combined group were 92.3%, 82.1% and 74.4% respectively, and better survival were achieved in combined group with significant difference (P<0.05).

TME+ LLND surgery could improve the long-term survival of patients with middle/low rectal cancer, and it has positive clinical significance to ensure the quality of life of patients after operation with refined skills and operation.