Objective To determine the oncological outcomes following the intersphincteric resection (ISR) for lower rectal cancer and influencing factors. Methods Reviewed the reports on ISR for lower rectal cancer, and summarized the oncological outcomes and influencing factors. The oncological outcomes included local and distant recurrence rates, postoperative survival, and mortality rates. Tumor indicators, surgical techniques, and perioperative radiochemotherapy were included in the influencing factors. Results The recurrence, survival, and mortality rates following ISR resemble traditional operations. Higher stages, metastasis, and non-standard operations affect the oncological outcomes significantly. Preoperative radiochemotherapy could improve the efficacy, but probably at the cost of postoperative anal function. Conclusions The oncological outcomes following ISR are acceptable. The careful case selection and rational arrangements of radiochemotherapy will allow better outcomes.