To investigate the clinical effect of autonomic nerve-preserving laparoscopic rectal cancer resection and to clarify the anatomical manifestations of the retroperitoneal autonomic nerve.

From January 2015 to June 2019, retrospective analysis were performed in 78 patients with low and middle rectal cancer who underwent rectal cancer resection in our hospital, who were divided into the laparoscopic group (n=39) and the open group (n=39) by using the random number table method. In the laparoscopic group, autonomic nerve-preserving laparoscopic rectal cancer resection was performed, and in the open group, fascial anatomy of the autonomic nerve was observed during the operation, and the perioperative indexes and postoperative complications were analyzed. The clinical effects by using different surgical methods, including sexual and urination function were compared. Statistical analysis were performed by using SPSS 22.0 software. Perioperative indicators and other measurement data were expressed as (±s) and were examined by using independent t test. postoperative complications, such as urinary function, were tested by using χ² test. A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant difference.

The operation time in the laparoscopic group was longer than that in the open group, while the remaining perioperative indexes were better than those in the open group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The residual urine volume in the laparoscopic group was lower than that in the open group, and the maximum urine flow. The rate was higher than those of the open group respectively, and the total incidence of dysuria was significantly lower than that of the open group, with statistically difference (P<0.05). The total incidence of erectile dysfunction and ejaculation were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than those in the open group respectively, with statistically difference (P<0.05).

Autonomic nerve-preserving laparoscopic rectal cancer resection could achieve similar surgical results to laparotomy, with advantages such as improving patients’ urination and sexual function after surgery.