To compare the long-term survival outcomes between laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and open radical hysterectomy (ORH). We matched patients with stage IA2 to IIA cervical cancer with known risk factors for recurrence who underwent ORH and LRH. Compared with ORH (n = 263), LRH (n = 263) did not have higher risks of recurrence hazard ratio (HR) = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62–2.64 or death (HR = 1.46; 95% CI 0.62–3.43). Even in patients with tumors >2 cm in diameter, the risks of recurrence (HR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.31–2.16) or death (HR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.35–2.95) were not higher for LRH than for ORH. The LRH and ORH group had 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of 92.8% and 94.4%, respectively (P = 0.499). LRH resulted in significantly lower estimated blood loss (379.6 versus 541.1 ml, P < 0.001) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (12.5 versus 20.3 days, P < 0.001). Intraoperative complication rates were similar in the two groups (6.8% versus 5.7%, P = 0.711), but postoperative complication rate was lower in the LRH than in the ORH group (9.2% versus 21%, P < 0.001). LRH is an oncologically safe alternative to ORH and was associated with fewer postoperative complication and earlier recovery.