ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical advantages and the treatment of perineal defect of extra-levator abdominoperineal excision, and to discuss the treatments of postoperative complications. MethodsChinese or English literatures about extra-levator abdominoperineal excision were collected to summarize and analyze the clinical signifi-cance of it. ResultsExtra-levator abdominoperineal excision had a lot of advantages in reducing the circumferential resection margin involvement rate and intraoperative perforation rate for patients with low rectal cancer. The huge perineal defect caused by the operation could achieve good healing after appropriate treatment. At the same time, we should avoid the occurrence of urogenital system dysfunction and perineal pain. ConclusionExtra-levator abdomino-perineal excision is a safe and effective procedure aimed at patients with low rectal cancer, and can be applied during clinical practice.