Objective:To compare the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) and surgical resection as an initial treatment for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods:Between November 1999 and June 2004,434 patients with a solitary HCC (diameter less than 5cm) and wellpreserved liver function (Childpugh class A ) received PRFA or surgical resection (SR) in Sun Yatsen University Cancer Center.Among them,183 patients received SR and 251 patients received PRFA. Results:The overall 1year,3year and 5year survival rates for SR group were 91.18%,70.18%,55.51% respectively,and for PRFA group were 91.92%,7441%,58.22% respectively.In patients with tumor diameter ≤3cm,the overall 1year,3-year and 5-year survival rates for SR group were 9587%,7369%,6245% respectively,and for PRFA group were 95.46%,80.15%,72.79% respectively.In patients with tumor diameter from 3.0m to 5.0cm, the overall 1year,3-year and 5-year survival rates for SR group were 88.07%,67.63%,51.18% respectively,and for PRFA group were 80.16%,60.63%,32.34% respectively.Survival of patients treated with PRFA were dependent on tumor size and serum bilirubin. Conclusion:PRFA is as effective as surgical resection in the group of solitary and small HCC.PRFA can be used instead of surgical resection in proper situations.