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To emphasize the role of clinical innovation and basic research on the advances of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgery, related papers published by the author's institution in the last three decades and recent data were analysed. In the 1970s-1980s, diagnosis using alpha fetoprotein assay and innovation of limited resection instead of lobectomy have resulted in early diagnosis and resection of small HCC. These have led to a marked increase of long-term survivors of HCC. In the 1980s-1990s, research works including establishment of human HCC nude mice model, experimental multimodality therapy and studies on targeting therapy have been conducted. These have made resection possible in some patients after downstaging of initially unresectable HCC. The 5-year survival of unresectable HCC was improved. Since the early 1990s, research works have been carried out on metastatic recurrence of HCC, including the establishment of metastatic human HCC model, the molecular basis of HCC metastasis, angiogenesis and experimental intervention. These provide clues for prediction and prevention of metastatic recurrence of HCC. Translation from bench to bedside has resulted in improved disease free survival after curative HCC resection in a randomized control trial using interferon alpha. It is concluded, clinical innovation and basic research are essential for progress of HCC surgery. &figfua; &figfub;. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]