Early recurrence (≤2years) after radical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma is a major challenge affecting patient survival and significantly impacts prognosis. This review focuses on the risk factors for early recurrence after surgery, systematically summarizing tumor characteristics such as tumor differentiation degree, size, number, vascular invasion, integrity of the capsule, and liver cirrhosis status; surgical-related factors including margin width, intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion, and resection method; as well as the role of serum molecular markers and tumor immune microenvironment in predicting early recurrence. Comprehensive analysis of these factors is helpful in identifying high-risk patients, providing a basis for optimizing surgical strategies and strengthening postoperative monitoring, and is of great significance for improving the overall prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.