This study evaluates the application of fast track (FT) nasogastric decompression in patients who underwent anterior resection of rectal cancer. A randomized control trial was performed comparing the group with the fast track treatment (n =β57) and the group with traditional nasogastric decompression (n =β84). Preoperative characteristics and postoperative recovery indices were recorded and analyzed. The results indicate no significant differences in gender (P =β0.614), age (P =β0.653), tumor location (P =β0.113), and TNM stages (P =β0.054) were observed between the 2 groups. The differences in the type of resection, anastomosis, and adoption of protective colostomy were all not significant between the FT and the traditional group. During the first 24 hours after surgery, the volume of nasogastric drainage averaged 197 ml in the FT group and 155 ml in the traditional group (P =β0.197). The initiation of test-meal (P =β0.000), semiliquid diet (P =β0.002), and ordinary diet (P =β0.008) were all significantly shorter in the FT group. Furthermore, compared with the other group, the patients in the FT group enjoyed earlier removal of the abdominal drainage, urinary catheter, and shorter hospital stays (P =β0.000). Based on a correlation test, the duration of nasogastric decompression is related to the time of test-meal and semiliquid diet. The routine usage of nasogastric decompression in rectal surgery is unnecessary. The fast track procedure might help in facilitating postoperative functional and diet recovery, reducing the time of catheterization, and shortening hospital stay.