Retrospective analysis of risk factors for early recurrence after hepatocellular carcinoma resection

Objectives Early recurrence after surgical resection adversely affects long-term survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This study aims to develop and validate a novel predictive model for early recurrence of HCC after curative resection. Methods A retrospective study included 132 HCC patients who underwent surgical resection at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between October 2018 and May 2021. Clinical and pathological features were evaluated to assess parameters independently linked with early recurrence. Associations between possible risk factors and early recurrence were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Results Of the 132 individuals, 48 (36.36 %) had early recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified AFP level≥400 ng/mL (OR=2.603, 95 % CI: 1.056–6.587, p=0.039), portal hypertension (OR=3.556, 95 % CI: 1.195–11.049, p=0.024), tumor size>10 cm (OR=5.036, 95 % CI: 1.264–23.237, p=0.027), albumin<35 g/L (OR=0.127, 95 % CI: 0.041–0.353, p<0.001), and GGT≥50 U/L (OR=2.172, 95 % CI: 0.863–5.612, p=0.042) were independently predictive of early recurrence. Conclusions Early recurrence after HCC resection is associated with high AFP levels, presence of portal hypertension, larger tumor size, reduced serum albumin, and elevated GGT levels. Monitoring of these signs after surgery may help identify patients at a higher risk more quickly, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially better long-term outcomes.