Objectives Background: The aim of this study is to show the equal results that class II radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy, in Ib1 cervical cancer. We present an institutional experience with this procedure employing Ligasure® in some cases.

Material and methods 116 patients with cervical cancer FIGO stage Ib1 less than 2 cm in diameter, were subjected to modified radical hysterectomies in an Oncology Service at the Hospital General de México UNAM. Variables included age, size of tumor, surgical margins, number of lymph nodes removed, mean postoperative length of stay, morbidity and mortality; and follow up without evidence of recurrence.

Results Mean age was 44 years old (range 22 to 74 years old); 82 were squamous cell carcinomas; 34 had not clinical disease; in 18 diameter of tumor was less than 1 cm, and in 38 it was from 1 to 2 cm. The average operation time was 130 minutes; the mean blood loss during surgical procedures was 360 cc. In 59 patients Ligasure® was employed. Permanence of bladder catheter and time to hospital discharge were three days in average. The mean of lymph nodes removed was 14 (range 6 to 31). Thirteen cases, had morbidity related with surgical procedures: two intraoperative ureter injuries; four infections wound; two reoperation because of bleeding; and eight bladder dysfunction.

Conclusions Modified radical hysterectomy is an adequate alternative for Ib1 cervical cancer less than 2 cm in diameter. Ligasure® is a useful tool, in order to diminish surgical time and intraoperative bleeding.