Objective  This study aimed to investigate the effect and safety of fast-track surgery (FTS) in treating primary liver cancer (PLC) through open liver resection within the perioperative period.

  Methods   A total of 115 patients with PLC who required hep- atectomy were randomly divided into two groups, namely, FTS treatment (FTS group) and traditional method treatment (control group), within the perioperative period. The following parameters were compared between the two groups: time to the start of anus deaeration, time to ambulation, liver function, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and total cost of hospitalization.

  Results  The time to the start of anus deaeration and the time to ambulation were earlier in the FTS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The recovery of liver function was faster in the FTS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The rate of postoperative complications was lower, the hospital stay was shorter, and the total cost of hospitalization was lower in the FTS group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   FTS therapy for patients with PLC through hepatectomy within the perioperative period was safe and effective. The rate of complications was lower, the recovery was earlier, and the hospitalization cost was lower in the FTS group than in the control group. Thus, FTS should be considered in clinical practice.