Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of percutaneous ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which the diameter was less than 2 cm. Methods:Thirtythree cases of pathologically conformed HCC were treated with percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). Results:The complete ablation rate was 93.9%,the local recurrence and distant recurrence rates were 9.1% and 33.3%,respectively.One,two,and threeyear diseasefree survival rates were 62.6%,62.6% and 62.6%,respectively and overall survival rates were 84.0%、74.5% and 63.9%,respectively.By univariate analysis,only preablation αfetoprotein (AFP) level was significantly related to recurrencefree survival,while AFP level and distant recurrence were significantly related to overall survival. In multivariate analysis,AFP level and distant recurrence were independent risk factors to overall survival. Conclusion:Percutaneous ablation is capable of eradicating HCC which the size is less than 2 cm.Preablation AFP level and posttreatment distant recurrence are significantly related to prognosis.