Background. In the last decades laparoscopic technologies have been actively implemented for rectal cancer surgery, however randomized control trials have not demonstrated overt advantages of laparoscopic technique comparing to open surgery. The improvement of quality of life is expected to be one of advantages of laparoscopic approach. Objective: a prospective study of the dependence of the quality of life on the type of operative access (open or laparoscopic) in patients with rectal cancer after low anterior resection of the rectum. Materials and methods. There were 30 patients in the study: 20 of them were operated laparoscopically and 10 were underwent open surgery. The current versions of the general questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 and the special module for patients with colorectal cancer EORTC QLQ-CR29 were used in the study, that were filled on the day before the surgery and also on days 3, 7 and 60 after the surgery. Results. In the first 7 days after laparoscopic operations patients had less frequent dysuric dysfunctions (p = 0.047), less pain syndrome (p = 0.0005) and flatulence (p = 0.007) comparing to open operations. At 60 days after surgery patients that were operated laparoscopically were satisfied by their appearance more often (p = 0.047) than patients after open surgery, more rarely had anxiety (p = 0.007) and discomfort in the area of postoperative wounds (p = 0.079). Conclusion. It has been proven that laparoscopic surgery of rectal cancer evidently improves quality of life in postoperative period.