Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the surgical and pathological outcomes for patients with early-stage cervical cancer after abdominal radical trachelectomy (ART) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH).

Methods A prospective database of ART and ARH procedures performed in a standardized manner by the same surgical group was analyzed. The 3-segment technique was used for the accurate analysis of parametrial lymph nodes (PMLNs), and parametrial measurements were recorded by the same pathologist. Standard statistical tests were used.

Result Between August 2012 and August 2013, ART was attempted in 39 patients (28.6%), and ARH was attempted in 90 patients (71.4%). The parametrium resection length was similar with ART and ARH (44.60 vs 45.48 mm, P = 0.432), as were additional surgical and pathological outcomes, including histology, lymph node positive rate, and operation time. The PMLNs were found in 28 patients (77.78%) in the ART group and in 86 (95.56%) in the ARH group (P > 0.05). Solitary PMLN metastases were observed in 3 patients (10.71%) in the ART group and in 6 (6.98%) in the ARH group. Five (55.6%) of these 9 patients had tumors of 2 cm or greater. The ARH patients (36, 40.00%) were more likely to receive postoperative chemotherapy or radiation compared with ART patients (13, 33.33%; P = 0.017). At a median follow-up of 12 and 12.5 months (P = 0.063), respectively, there were no recurrences or deaths in the ART or ARH groups.

Conclusions Using standardized techniques, ART provides similar surgical and pathological outcomes as ARH. For the patients with tumors of 2 cm or greater, PMLNs should be examined carefully. Further prospective data are urgently needed.