Objective To prevent gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients undergoing surgical treatment of urinary tract cancer and to promote recovery of gastrointestinal function. Methods A total of 470 patients admitted in department of urology undergoing cancer surgery were divided into a control group of 257 cases and an intervention group of 213 cases chronologically, receiving either routine perioperative nursing care or graded nursing intervention which was implemented based on risk assessment results of a self-designed scale for gastrointestinal dysfunction. Results The time to first passage of gas and defecation were earlier, and the incidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (P<0.01 for all). Conclusion Application of the self-designed risk assessment scale for gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients undergoing surgery for urinary tract cancer could achieve early detection and intervention of gastrointestinal dysfunction, thus to enhance recovery of gastrointestinal function.