The aim of this study was to assess the result and the postherapeutic complications rates of preoperative radiation therapy and radical surgery in association, for stage IB to IIB cervical carcinoma. For 1983 to 1990, 314 patients were treated at the Institut Curie for stage IB to IIB cervical carcinoma. For small lesions, less than 4 cm, preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy was performed (60 to 65 Gy), followed, 6 weeks later, by a modified radical hysterectomy (Piver type 2) with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Larger tumors were treated with pelvic radiotherapy (36 Gy), then by brachytherapy (30 Gy), followed, 6 weeks later, by the same surgical procedure. 82% of the tumors were 4 cm or smaller. 64% of tumors were completely sterilised by the preoperative radiation. 5 and 10-year actuarial survival rates were respectively 81% and 70 %. 5-year actuarial survival rate was 87.5% for stage I and 63% for stage II patients. 5-year local disease free survival rate was 88% for stage I and 73% for stage II patients. All complications were prospectively recorded. The early post operative complication rate was 6.3%, with no urinary complications. The late complication rate was 3.3%, mainly grade 2 sequelae. No ureteral fistulas were observed. By combined preoperative radiotherapy and surgery, adapting the dosimetry and the radicality of the procedure, we obtained cure rates and recurrence rates identical to those obtained with exclusive surgery or radiotherapy alone. However, the complication rate of the association of both adapted treatments, has considerably reduced the early and late complication rate.