Objective      To compare the perioperative effects of radiofrequency-assisted liver resection (RF+LR) and traditional liver resection (LR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.       Methods      From December 2012 to October 2014

92 HCC patients were randomly divided into an RF+LR group (n=46) and a traditional LR group (n=46). The intraoperative blood loss

time of portal triad clamp

postoperative liver function

complications

mortality and hospital stays were observed.       Results      The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the RF+LR group than in the traditional LR group (300 vs 400 mL

P=0.049)

and the time of portal triad clamp was shorter in the RF+LR group than in the traditional LR group (10 vs 15 min

P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative liver function and complications between the 2 groups. The hospital stays were significantly reduced in the RF+LR group as compared with the traditional LR group (18.5 vs 22.5 d

P=0.002). No death happened in the 2 groups.       Conclusion      RF+LR can reduce the intraoperative blood loss

time of portal triad clamp and hospital stays effectively. However

this method should be used with caution in patients with severe cirrhosis.