ObjectiveTo analyze whether neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can impact patients’ anal function and quality of life after rectal cancer surgery.MethodThe domestic and international publications on the studies how the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy impacted patients’ anal function and quality of life were collected and reviewed.ResultsThe neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy negatively impacted the patients’ anal function and quality of life, but which would be improved over time. The impact had no obvious difference between the long-course chemoradiotherapy and short-couse radiotherapy on the patients’ anal function and quality of life. Compared with the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, the neoadjuvant chemotherapy might impact less on the anal function, but which still needed to evaluate the lower anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. In present, it lacked evidence of a higher rate of anastomotic leakage caused by the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, which might lead to the bowel dysfunction.ConclusionsNeoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy negatively impacts patients’ anal function and quality of life. Further studies are needed to figure out the best choice between long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and short-couse radiotherapy. In long term, impact of neoadjuvant therapy can be improved over time and be accepted by patients. Some intervention treatments including medicine and operations are needed if major LARS occurs.