Objective To introduce the surgical technique and results of total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. Methods　Reviews.Results　As a result of TME, local recurrence rates have declined from 20%-30% to 3%-8%, 5-year survival rate have risen to 75%, and the rates of sphincter preservation have risen too.Conclusion　Total mesorectal excision reduces the local recurrence rates and raise the survival figures after excision of rectal cancer. Patients have a high quality of life.