RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the impact on sexual function, local recurrence and survival after total mesorectal excision (TME) with autonomic nerve preservation (PANP) of rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and five patients after TME with PANP were followed by means of questionnaire on postoperative genital function [TME + PANP(+) group], and the results of 110 patients after TME without PANP [TME + PANP(-) group] were compared with, also their local recurrence and 5-year survival were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TME + PANP(+) group was compared to TME + PANP(-) group: the erection dysfunction, 33.3% vs 63.2%; the ejaculation dysfunction, 43.8% vs 70.0% (P < 0.01), there were significant differences between two groups, but no difference in local recurrent rate and 5-year survival rate (7.6% vs 5.5%; 63.4% vs 59.7%, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The TME with PANP of rectal surgery ensure the radical cure of rectal cancer, at the same time reasonably save the postoperative sexual function and obtain satisfactory postoperative survival.</p>