The diagnostic value of laparoscopy --a perspective study

Recently, as a result of the introduction of the ingenious method of percutaneous biopsy of the liver according to Menghini, the improvements made in biochemical diagnostics, the introduction of scintigraphy and sonography as well as computer tomography, competing methods have gained ground, raising the question to what extent the scope of indications for laparoscopy is thereby narrowed down. We, ourselves, have now had our own experience with around 19,500 laparoscopies. We thereby experienced 2 deaths as a result of bleeding from abdominal varices. This is still below the risk of collective statistics concerning percutaneous liver biopsy. One must, nevertheless, consider whether by extending our diagnostic possibilities the indications for laparoscopy can continue to be applied as they have been in the past.