ObjectiveTo study the clinical role of spleen/remnant liver volume ratio in evaluating liver reserve function after surgical treatment for liver cancer. MethodsTo calculate the ratio of spleen volume/remnant liver volume after tumor excision with imaging method and immersion method; to analyze the relationships between spleen/remnant liver volume ratio and liver function score after operation as well as hospital stay. ResultsLiver function ChildPugh score was related mainly with spleen/remnant liver volume ratio (t=7.831, P=0.000), which was proved by multiple regression analysis. The median hospital stay of the group with spleen/remnant liver ratio ≤0.9 was 14 d (12-16 d), which was less than that (22 d, 15-29 d) of the other group with the ratio gt;0.9 (P=0.000). ConclusionsSpleen/remnant liver volume ratio can predict effectively recovery ability of patients after operation for liver cancer, and assess correctly the reserve function of liver. When the ratio is less than or equal 0.9, the operation is safe.