Results: Compared with 2004 group, the sphincter-saving resection rate significantly increased (53% vs 4%, p<0.001); although there were higher proportions of men (77% vs 36%, p=0.003) and of early stage patients (29% stage I vs 4%, p<0.001). Sphincter-saving resection procedures were performed for 53% low rectal cancer patients (95% CI: 28 - 77%).