ObjectiveTo analyze the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic intersphincteric resection with stapled colo-anal anastomosis under direct vision for low rectal cancer. MethodsFrom January 2001 to March 2012, 138 patients were underwent intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer, 45 cases of whom were received laparoscopic surgery and stapled colo-anal anastomosis (SCAA group), and the other 93 cases (55 open and 38 laparoscopic) of whom were received hand-sewn colo-anal anastomosis (HCAA group). The morbidity comparison only involed the data of relevant to the anastomosis. The anus functional outcomes, including those from the Saito function questionnaire and Wexner score, were compared and only involved the data of relevant to the laparoscope. Results①The anastomotic complications rates were similar for the fistula, bleeding, and rectal mucosal prolapse (P > 0.05); the rate of anastomosis leakage and the degree of anastomotic stricture in the SCAA group were significantly lower (or milder) than those in the HCAA group (P=0.001 and P=0.022, respectively).②As for the functional results, the incidence of dyschesia in the SCAA group was significantly lower than that in the HCAA group (P=0.016), and the other 7 items of Saito function questionnaire and Wexner score were similar between these two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionsCompared with traditional intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery with stapled colo-anal anastomosis could reduce the morbidity and the anus function is non-inferior to the former.