Abstract: Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence. Currently, the treatment strategy relies on comprehensive therapy with the surgery as the mainstay, highligh-ting the pivotal role of surgical intervention throughout the treatment process. In recent years, there are continuous innovations in the diagnosis and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer, leading to improved therapeutic effects, with surgical treatment playing an indispensable role. The author sum-marizes the major changes in colorectal surgical treatment over the past three decades, encompas-sing shifts in conceptual understanding, advancements in clinical techniques, and progress in clinical research. From adaptation to improvement and then to innovation and reinforcement, this article describes the experiences of the past and the advancement of colorectal cancer surgical treatment, aiming to promote the development of surgical treatment of colorectal cancer.