【Abstract】ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation comparing with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of postoperative recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsOne hundred and thirtyseven patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma excluding those with extrahepatic metastasis or Child C liver function were analyzed retrospectively. Of these patients, 74 cases with 86 lesions underwent RF therapy, while the other 63 cases with 75 lesions treated with PEI therapy. In RF group, the average size of lesions was 2.05 cm in diameter including 9 lesions were more than 3 cm in diameter (the maximum size of the lesions was 4 cm in diameter). In PEI group, all lesions were less than 3 cm in diameter, averagely 2.03 cm. Blood routine, liver function, AFP level and Doppler ultrasound were observed before and after therapy 1-year, 2-year, 3-year survival rates were calculated in two groups as well. Results①There was no serious complications in two groups. ②Complete tumor necrosis was 93.0%(80/86) in RF group and 81.3%(61/75) in PEI group. In RF group, complete tumor necrosis rate for lesions less than 3 cm in diameter was 96.1%(74/77), while that was only 66.7%(6/9) for lesions greater than 3 cm in diameter. ③The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year survival rates were 74.3%(55/74), 62.2%(46/74) and 54.8% (17/31) in RF group as well as 68.3%(43/63), 57.1%(36/63) and 45.0%(9/20) in PEI group， respectively. ④The average treatment needed to achieve tumor ablation were 1.3 for RF group, and 2.5 for PEI group，respectively. ConclusionRF is an efficient treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.