ObjectiveTo exclusively compare the short-and long-term outcomes of hepatic resection (HR) patients with multifocal tumors meeting the Milan criteria between locating in same and different sections. MethodsA total of 219 consecutive HR patients with multifocal tumors meeting the Milan criteria were divided into group SS (n=97, same section) and group DS (n=122, different sections) according to their anatomical location (Couinaud's segmentation). ResultsThe 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were significantly higher in the group SS than those in the group DS (P < 0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that patients with 2 tumors and those undergoing en bloc resection were associated with better OS and RFS (P < 0.05). ConclusionsFor HCC patients with multifocal tumors meeting the Milan criteria, those with tumors locating in same hepatic section may have better longterm survival and lower HCC recurrence rates than those locating in different sections after HR.