Cylindrical abdominoperineal resection (APR) provides improved oncologic outcomes for low rectal cancer compared to standard APR. It involves a more extensive dissection in the pelvis during the abdominal phase and an extended perineal resection. This removes more tissue outside the muscularis propria of the rectum, reducing circumferential resection margin involvement and local recurrence rates. However, it may increase risks of perineal wound complications. Tips for the procedure include amputating a fatty sigmoid colon, taking care when reflecting an anteriorly attached tumor, placing an omental pedicle in the pelvis, and remembering to place a drain.