[SUMMARY] Objective: To clarify the effects of a nursing intervention program created to reduce early bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection. Method: Subjects were 46 rectal cancer patients who underwent low anterior resection, and were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n＝23) or control group (n＝23). In the intervention group, nursing intervention was conducted immediately and 3 months after discharge at the outpatient clinic to understand bowel movement disorder due to the influence of surgery. The intervention aimed to: (1) tighten the anus and hold stool, (2) adjust stool properties, (3) defecate smoothly with a sense of control, and (4) escape from the feeling of being held captive by defecation. A questionnaire comprised of the Defecation Dysfunction Assessment Scale (DDAS) ver. 2 and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Version 2 (SF-36v2) and other items was collected by postal mail 1 (baseline), 3 and 6 months, and １ year postoperatively. Results: DDAS ver. 2 showed no significant difference in both subscales, but the score decreased significantly over time only in the intervention group, and the number of bowel movement lines was significantly smaller １ year postoperatively. The intervention group showed significantly lower levels of “defecation” 3 and 6 months postoperatively. In the control group, some people showed extremely low self-evaluations because of a large difference between their desired defecation status and their current situation. No significant difference in quality of life was observed between the two groups. Discussion: Through nursing intervention, it was possible to understand that defecation symptoms, including the feeling of residual stool, are the effects of surgery. Furthermore, nursing intervention that diverted attention and interest from defecation and increased tolerance of defecation reduced defecation disorders. These results indicate that nursing intervention was effective.