Diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography with local anesthesia in hepatocellular carcinoma

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common digestive malignancy, remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound with local anesthesia as a diagnostic procedure in HCC. Laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound with local anesthesia was performed in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit in three patients diagnosed of HCC. Endoscopy staged diffuse liver disease. Laparoscopic ultrasonography identified all liver tumors not visible during endoscopy and guided needle biopsy in one case. No complications happened. In conclusion, laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound, performed as a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure can be a safe and very promising tool in planning therapy of HCC.