The 5-year recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery is about 40%~70%, but it varies from person to person. Primary liver cancer is one of the common digestive system tumors and one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate in China. Surgery is the main treatment for primary liver cancer, especially for early stage liver cancer. Hepatic resection is still one of the preferred treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma, but some studies claim that its 5-year postoperative recurrence rate is 40% to 70%, and the higher recurrence rate also restricts the long-term survival of patients. Postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma includes both intrahepatic metastasis and multicenter occurrence; the former is due to the presence of microscopic metastatic foci in the residual liver, which usually occurs within 2 years (early recurrence). The latter is due to underlying liver lesions or new tumors on the basis of cirrhosis and usually occurs after 2 years (late recurrence). It has been claimed that the risk factors for postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma include large tumor (>5 cm in length), microvascular invasion, non-anatomic hepatic resection, residual microscopic foci as well as serum AFP>32 ng/ml, multiple foci of tumors, progression of cirrhosis, and chronic viral active hepatitis. For recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma that meets the Milan criteria, it is usually recommended to undergo hepatectomy again; for patients who do not tolerate or refuse surgery, interventional therapy such as radiofrequency ablation and TACE can be accepted; in addition, some patients can receive remedial liver transplantation. For patients suspected or diagnosed of postoperative recurrence, it is recommended to go to regular hospitals for evaluation of the condition and follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment to avoid delaying the condition.