Objective:To explore the potential role of the surgical treatment in limited small cell lung cancer(SCLC) and analyze the factors affecting the prognosis. Methods:From January 1985 to December 2005, the survival rate of 70 in-patients with limited SCLC confirmed by histological pathology and imaging were analyzed. Furthermore, the related prognostic factors of patients underwent surgery were investigated by Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression analysis. Results:The five-year survival rates of patients with stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ SCLC were 63.8%, 40.1% and 33.2%, respectively. The Cox regression analysis indicated that TNM stage, application of platinum-based chemotherapy, operative manner and KPS scores were independent prognostic factors for SCLC patients after surgery. Conclusion: Patients with limited SCLC may benefit from the comprehensive treatment based on surgery. TNM stage, application of platinum-based chemotherapy, operative manner and KPS scores were independent prognostic factors for SCLC patients after surgery.