Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis: a comparison of modified ultrasound and laparoscopy in 100 consecutive patients.

Background/goals: Liver cirrhosis, the final stage of chronic liver disease, is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and also requires an appropriate management. Laparoscopy, the gold standard in the diagnosis of cirrhosis, is hampered by its invasiveness. Therefore, a noninvasive method for diagnosing liver cirrhosis would be of great benefit.