&NA;A retrospective study of anastomotic recurrence after sphincter‐saving resection for rectal cancer is presented. During the 21 years from 1962 to 1982, 273 patients with rectal cancer underwent sphincter‐saving resection and 30 (11 percent) of them had anastomotic recurrences. Computer analysis of 69 variables was undertaken to identify factors contributing to the anastomotic recurrence, with special reference to the length of distal clearance of the bowel. There was no significant correlation between the incidence of recurrence and the length of distal clearance of the bowel, if the latter was over 2 cm. There appears to be justification for carrying out a curative sphincter‐saving operation for cases in which more than a 2‐cm distal margin can be afforded. However, for cancers of the infiltrating type, annular growths, invasion to adjacent organs or mucinous features, a more extensive distal clearance of the bowel is necessary, and the Miles operation should be performed.