Objective To explore the effect of self-made ankle-pump exerciser on deep venous thrombosis （DVT） formation in patients after colorectal surgery. Methods A total of 300 bedridden patients who had received colorectal surgery were evenly divided 3 groups. The control group received routine nursing care, the general group received routine nursing care plus intermittent pneumatic compression therapy, while the intervention group received routine nursing care plus the use of self-made ankle-pump exerciser. Results The incidence rates of DVT in the 3 groups had significant difference (P<0.05). The overall satisfaction with the use of anti-DVT apparatus in the intervention group was higher than that in the general group (P<0.01). Conclusion The self-made ankle-pump exerciser which effectively prevents DVT in patients after colorectal cancer surgery, can lend comfort to patients and make it easy for them to accept the exercise.