A Comparative Study Between Laparoscopic Findings and Histological Stages in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

: Histopathologically, early lesions of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are focal within the liver and there is segmental involvement of the bile ducts. In addition, the development of PBC is variable within the liver. PBC is characterized by the following laparoscopic findings: reddish patch, mesh-like white marking and gentle undulation, etc. In the present study, we analyzed the correlation between the laparoscopic findings and the histological stage as per Scheuer's classification in 22 patients with PBC. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1) Reddish patch was frequently observed in the early stage of PBC. 2) Mesh-like white marking was observed in cases of stage I, II and III. 3) Gentle undulation was seen in stage II and III. The absence of this finding is useful in the diagnosis of stage I. 4) In stage IV, these three findings were not observed. 5) From these three findings, it was difficult to differentiate stage II or III. But the presence of portal hypertension and increased vascularity of the liver capsule were observed in accordance with the progression of the disease. Indications of portal hypertension were seen even in the early stage and in some asymptomatic cases of PBC. In conclusion, the laparoscopic findings such as reddish patch, mesh-like white marking, gentle undulaion and portal hypertension are very valuable for stage diagnosis and the evaluation of prognosis in patients with PBC.