A univariate analysis defined 11 identical factors to influence HCC recurrence (Table 2B) whereas the multivariate analysis revealed that BMI < 25, hypoalbuminemia, higher serum AFP level, higher TNM stage grading and higher Child-Pugh grading (with a Child-Pugh grade of B or C) were significant factors contributing to patient survival after surgical procedure (Table 2B). Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.