Introduction Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well-known for its advantages in the past 10 years, but little is known regarding its oncologic outcomes while the technique is being developed at an institution. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of LH for patients with primary HCC at favorable locations during the development period. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with primary HCC that underwent hepatectomy between January 2013 and December 2019 at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. Patients with HCC at favorable locations (anterolateral segments) were collected and divided into laparoscopic and open hepatectomy (OH) groups. Long-term oncologic outcomes, including overall, and disease-free survival and postoperative short-term outcomes were analysed. Results The review included 159 patients, and among which 42 and 44 patients with HCC in favorable locations were underwent open and laparoscopic hepatectomies. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, major complication rate, and 90-day mortality rate. The laparoscopic group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay, and lower 90-day readmission rate. There were no significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion LH for favorably located HCC can stabilize the short-term outcome and long-term outcome during the development period.