From risk stratification to precision surveillance: Interpreting early-warning models after laparoscopic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Table 1 Key determinants and clinical implications of early recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma after laparoscopic resection

Domain	Variables	Pathophysiological basis	Clinical implication
Tumor biology	Tumor size, vascular invasion, AFP	Reflects tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential	Higher recurrence risk and need for closer surveillance
Inflammation	WBC count, NLR, cytokines	Indicates systemic inflammatory response and tumor-promoting environment	Identifies high-risk patients
Liver function	Albumin-bilirubin grade, cirrhosis	Reflects hepatic reserve	Guides treatment planning
Imaging features	Tumor heterogeneity, vascular patterns	Surrogate markers of tumor biology	Improves prediction
Clinical factors	Age, comorbidities	Affects recovery and disease progression	Influences surveillance strategy
Emerging factors	AI models, radiomics	Multi-dimensional predictive integration	Enables precision medicine

AFP: Alpha-fetoprotein; WBC: White blood cell; NLR: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio; AI: Artificial intelligence.