[Chinese expert consensus on the protection of pelvic organ function in the rectal cancer surgery]

With the development of surgical techniques, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, the survival of patients with rectal cancer after surgery has improved significantly, while the organ dysfunction remains an important factor affecting quality of life of patients. In order to improve the awareness of Chinese surgeons in organ function protection for the treatment of rectal cancer, standardize the evaluation method and surgical procedure, reduce the incidence of organ dysfunction, and ultimately improve the quality of life of patients, Colorectal and Anal Function Surgeons Committee of China Sexology Association, Organ Function Protection Committee of Chinese College of Colorectal Cancer, and Colon and Rectal Surgeons Committee of Chinese College of Surgeons jointly organized experts in related fields, in combination with domestic and foreign research and clinical practice, to discuss and formulate a Chinese expert consensus on the protection of pelvic organ function in the rectal cancer surgery, including the definition, risk factors, assessment methods, prevention and treatment of organ dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.