Objective To summarize the advances in the clinical application of the quality of life(QOL) assessment after surgery of rectal cancer. Methods　The recent literatures on the advances in the studies on the QOL assessment following the treatment of rectal cancer were reviewed. Results　After surgery of rectal cancer, the patients might suffer from short and/or long term of various complications affecting the physical, social and psychological aspects of their well-being. The QOL assessment included many aspects of the studies. Global QOL scores as measured by the specific questionnaires improved significantly after surgery. It had provided clinical evidences of therapeutic methods, operative treatment of choices and bowel reconstructed procedures for the patients with rectal cancer.Conclusion　The QOL studies after surgery for rectal cancer are of increasing importance. Apart from the improvements of the survival rates and the recurrence-free period, it is essential to provide an acceptable QOL postoperatively. The QOL assessment for the guidance of clinical treatment should be discussed routinely for a patient with potentially curable rectal carcinoma so that the excellent outcome could be achieved.