On the other hand, the absence of HCC, the presence of refractory ascites, the use of beta-blockers, the presence of bactDNA at baseline, serum TNF-α, IL-6 and endotoxin levels before surgery, were significantly associated with the presence of bactDNA in the univariate analysis during the first month after surgery. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.