Seven hundred and eighty three cases of rectal carcinoma were treated in this hospital Jan. 1986 to Dec. 1994. There were 552 cases(70.5%)in which the tumor located in the middle and lower portion of the rectum. Of this group, 201 cases were treated with the operations of preservation of sphincter ani. The operations included transabdomino-sacral resection(5 cases), transpubic resection(5 cases), Dixon’s operation(67 cases), perineal pull through anastomosis(44 cases), Welch’s operation(68 cases), and local resection(12 cases). The 3-year survival rate was 90.9%. We consider that anal sphincter preservation is rational in the treatment of rectal cancer of middle and lower segment, As often os the radical resection and maintenauce of normal defecation is concerned, it is suitable for rectal carcinomas in Duke’s A and B1 stages. Combined treatment is necessary to prevent the recurrence and increase the survival rate.