Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of pulmonary embolism(PE) after hepatectomy in patients with hepatic tumors, and to summarize our experience on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the condition. Methods From Jan.2005 to Dec. 2009, a total of 13,054 person-times with hepatic tumor underwent hepatectomy in our hospital, and 4 cases developed PE after hepatectomy. The clinical characteristics, pathogenic mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of the 4 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results The incidence of PE was 0.03％ after hepatectomy in the present cohort. PE developed from day 2 to day 6 after hepatectomy; the symptoms included shortness of breath, cyanosis, chest distress, cardiopalmus, sudden death, and decrease of oxygen partial pressure(PaO2) and saturation of blood oxygen(SaO2). One (25%) of the 4 patients died. Conclusion PE is a serious complication after hepatectomy for hepatic tumor. Emergent chest X-ray and D-Dimer examination can make early and clear diagnosis; the condition should be managed once it is confirmed.