Objective: To assess the anal sphincter function after intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer by questionnaire and vectorial manometry. Methods: twenty five patients underwent intersphincteric resection, the controls contained 25 patients of rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection and 25 healthy people. The therapeutic responses were evaluated using the Vaizey and Wexner scoring systems and vectorial manometry. Results: The Vaizey and Wexner scores after intersphincteric resection were significantly higher than those of low anterior resection controls at one month, but had no significant difference one year after. On the other hand, the indexes of vectorial manometry still had significant difference one year later. The indexes after intersphincteric resection could not reach the normal level. Conclusion: The anal sphincter function after intersphincteric resection is lower than that after low anterior resection in short term, although the long-term results can be accepted, it still can not reach the normal level.