Objective: To compare the effects of laparoscopic and open radical resection of rectal cancer on intestinal function recovery of rectal cancer patients. Methods: 60 rectal cancer patients were divided into laparoscope group and open group with 30 patients in each group according to operation method. The patients in open group were given traditional open radical resection of rectal cancer, the patients in laparoscope group were given laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer. The intestinal function recovery, operation time, hospital stays, body weight and Karnofsky score of patients in 2 groups were compared. Results: The bowel sounds recovery time, evacuation time, gastric catheter indwelling time, resumption of eating time, operation time and hospital stays of patients in laparoscope group were all obviously shorter than open group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference about weight and Karnofsky score before operation between the laparoscope group and open group (P>0.05). The body weight and Karnofsky score of patients in laparoscope group 1 week, 4 weeks after operation were all obviously higher than open group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The intestinal function recovery after laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer is obviously better than open radical resection of rectal cancer; Moreover, laparoscopic radical resection can shorten operation time and hospital stays, as well as improve body weight and Karnofsky score. So it is worthy of clinical application.