ObjectiveTo summarize the current commonly used anal function assessment methods after anorectal preservation surgery, and to discuss the current status of research and existing problems of anal function in patients after transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) surgery.MethodBy searching the relevant literatures in domestic and international databases, the studies on anal function of patients after taTME and the studies on anal function assessment tools after anorectal preservation surgery were included to make an review.ResultsThere was little literatures on the recovery of anal function after taTME, especially the long-term recovery of anal function after taTME was still unclear. The anal function in the early stage after traditional anal preserving operation for rectal cancer may be superior to taTME, but the recovery of anal function in the middle and long term after operation was similar. In terms of research tools, most of the current studies tend to use scale assessment method to describe the recovery of anal function after taTME, while the objective quantitative index, such as anorectal manometry and anal ultrasound were rarely used.ConclusionAt present, there is a single and inconsistent research tool for the study of postoperative anal function after taTME, so further research is still needed to provide data reference for the postoperative anal function recovery curve of rectal cancer patients.