OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) during the perioperative period in patients undergoing transabdominal radical resection of cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 114 patients who underwent transabdominal radical resection for cervical cancer at the Red Cross Hospital of Yulin City from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the perioperative intervention method: the ERAS group (n = 51) received ERAS-based management, while the control group (CG, n = 63) received conventional perioperative management. Key outcomes compared included postoperative recovery time, complication rates, hospital stay duration, T lymphocyte levels, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Postoperative anal exhaust time, first defecation time, ambulation time, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the ERAS group compared to the CG group (all P <
0.05). The ERAS group also showed earlier catheter removal, faster bladder function recovery, and lower residual urine volume (all P <
0.05). Postoperative serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) increased in both groups but were significantly lower in the ERAS group (all P <
0.05). The ERAS group demonstrated improved postoperative quality of life (QLQ-C30 scores), reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores, and a significantly lower incidence of postoperative urinary tract infection (7.84% vs. 30.16%, all P <
0.05). Treatment satisfaction was higher in the ERAS group (96.08% vs. 76.19%, P <
0.05). CONCLUSION: ERAS effectively promotes gastrointestinal function recovery, reduces hospital stay, accelerates postoperative rehabilitation, and enhances patient satisfaction in cervical cancer patients undergoing transabdominal radical resection. It is safe, economical, and has an efficient approach that supports wider clinical adoption.