Objective To study the relationship between autonomic nerve preservation and sexual and urinary functions after total mesorectal excision in patients with cancer of the lower rectum, and to explore improved nursing methods for these patients. Methods Eligible patients with cancer of the lower rectum were non-randomly assigned to either a control group (n=278)or an autonomic nerve-preserving group （n=263）. The recovery time of micturition desire, catherization time, lower urinary tract infection rate, residual urine, severity of urinary disorders and sexual disorders were observed. Results The recovery time of micturition desire, catherization time, lower urinary tract infection rate, residual urine, severity of urinary disorders and sexual disorders were lower in the autonomic nerve-preserving group than in the control group. (Plt;0.05) . Conclusion Autonomic nerve preservation radical resection leads to better maintenance of urinary and sexual functions for patients with cancer of the lower rectum. Nursing should be focused on the prevention of urinary tract complications and the rehabilitation of sexual and urinary functions.