To compare the short-term clinical outcome of laparoscopic and open transabdominal perineal resection for low rectal cancer.

110 patients with low rectal cancer from December 2014 to December 2018 were divided into two groups by using random number table method, including 55 cases in the open group and 55 cases in the combined group. Statistical analysis were performed by using SPSS24.0 software. Measurement data such as surgical indicators and intestinal function were represented as (±s) and were examined by using t test. Postoperative complications and 3-months recurrence rate were analyzed by using χ² test. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistical significant difference.

The amount of intraoperative bleeding and the length of resected specimens in the combined group were lower than those in the open group respectively (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of number of dissected lymph nodes and operation time (P>0.05). The removal time of perineal drainage tubes, exhaust time, and postoperative hospital stay in the combined group were less than those in the open group respectively (P<0.05). Compared with the open group, the MSKCC score of intestinal function questionnaire was higher and the total incidence of complications was lower in the combined group 3 months after operation (P<0.05); There was no significant difference of the recurrence rate between the combined group (1.8%) and the open group(7.3%) (P>0.05).

Laparoscopic transabdominal perineal resection and traditional open surgery could effectively treat low rectal cancer, and short-term recurrence rate is low, but the former has the advantages of refined operation, sufficient visual field exposure, less blood loss and complications, which is safe and reliable with protected intestinal function.