Whether rectal cancer surgery is better to preserve the anus or not needs to be analyzed according to the distance between the tumor and the anus. If the tumor is more than 5cm away from the anus, in order not to affect the living standard of patients, in this case, rectal cancer surgery to preserve the anus is better. For patients whose tumor is 5cm and below from the anus, it is generally better not to preserve the anus in this case because it is necessary to make sure that the tumor is completely eradicated so as to avoid recurrence and metastasis of rectal cancer after surgery. After surgery for rectal cancer, first take liquid food as the main diet, and then transition to normal diet after a period of time, you can supplement vitamins appropriately and eat more vegetables and fruits. After surgery, we should pay attention to wound care, avoid getting wet to prevent bacterial infection, pay more attention to rest, avoid exertion, pay attention to keep warm, and exercise appropriately after recovering for a period of time. It is recommended to listen to professional doctor’s advice whether to keep anus for rectal cancer or not. After rectal cancer surgery, patients should go to the hospital for regular follow-up, such as CEA, chest and abdominal CT, etc. If there is any discomfort in the body during the period of recovery, they should go to the hospital for consultation in time.