Analysis of risk factors for early recurrence of primary hepatocellular carcinoma after radical hepatectomy HUANG Jin-qiu*, PENG Min-hao, ZOU Quan-qing, et al. *Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Nanhua Hospital Attached to University of South China, Hengyang421002,China Corresponding author: PENG Min-hao, E-mail: minhaopeng@yahoo.com.cn Abstract Objective To explore the risk factors for early recurrence of primary hepatocellular carcinoma after radical hepatectomy. Methods The clinical data of 145 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma performed radical hepatectomy from June 2000 to December 2002 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Sixteen factors involved in clinic, pathology and treatment were analyzed to determine their impact upon early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Results Fifty-seven cases underwent early recurrence within one year after hepatectomy. The survival rate of 1 and 3 years in early recurrence group was 36.8% and 3.5%, respectively. The survival rate of 1 and 3 years in control group (relapse one year after hepatectomy or relapse-free during follow-up) was 100% and 63.6%, respectively. The significant difference of survival rate exist between the two groups (χ2=139.9, P<0.001).The univariate analysis showed that age, liver cirrhosis, tumor diameter, multiple tumor, tumor capsule formation, tumor capsule invasion, portal vein tumor thrombus, hepatic vein tumor thrombus, microvessel invasion and tumor Edmond-Steiner grade were high risk factors for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis indicated that tumor diameter, portal vein tumor thrombus, microvessel invasion and tumor capsule invasion were independent factors for early recurrence. Conclusion Recurrence after hepatectomy is one of main biology properties of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor diameter, portal vein tumor thrombus, microvessel invasion and tumor capsule invasion are main high risk factors for early recurrence. Identifing the high risk factors associated with early recurrence contributes to the grasp of operation indication and guidance of adjunctive therapy.