A comparison of the accuracy of peritoneoscopy and liver biopsy in the diagnosis of cirrhosis

Abstract

The accuracy of peritoneoscopy and liver biopsy in the diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis was compared in 473 consecutive patients submitted to both procedures. Of these, 152 had cirrhosis diagnosed by one or both methods. There was 73% agreement between the two procedures. 'Apparent' false negative results were 17.7% for peritoneoscopy and 9.3% for liver biopsy. The incidence of false negative results in the diagnosis of cirrhosis can be reduced by combining both procedures.