| Abstract: | Background: Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is prevalent worldwide, but little attention has been paid to the gross visual appearance of NASH. The present study was performed to address the laparoscopic features of NASH and the relationship between laparoscopic and histologicalal findings. Methods: Eleven patients were examined by laparoscopy with liver biopsy. Histological findings were examined according to the criteria of Brunt et al. with minor modification. Mallory bodies were immunohistochemically detected by an antibody to ubiquitin in addition to hematoxylin eosin staining. Results: Laparoscopic features of NASH were swelling of the liver, formation of many depressions, and dull edges of the liver. When steatosis was present in more than one‐third of lobules, yellowish markings appeared on the liver surface. NASH progressed from a smooth liver surface with or without yellowish markings, to formation of depressions on the liver surface, to cirrhosis with or without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conclusion: Laparoscopy may provide useful information in the diagnosis and progression of NASH. |
