Laparoscopic findings in seven patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver

We describe the laparoscopic findings in seven patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver. This unusual condition is characterized by nodules of hyperplastic hepatocytes diffusely distributed throughout the liver parenchyma, without fibrous septa between the nodules. In all patients, the diagnosis was made by liver biopsy under laparoscopic control. Laparoscopy revealed the presence of portal hypertension, nonnodular undulated liver surface, recognizable lobular pattern, and a hepatic consistency softer than normal to palpation. All of these findings indicated a diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Definitive diagnosis was established from biopsy specimens.