ALB and hepatocellular carcinoma: Although various mortality prediction models exist, those models utilizing postoperative data cannot be applied preoperatively, limiting their usefulness in surgical decision-making.4,7,8 Although the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score,9 Child–Pugh classification,10 and albumin (Alb)–bilirubin (ALBI) grade are commonly used preoperatively for assessing liver function,11 they may have limitations in predicting postoperative mortality following HCC resection.