The laparoscopic diagnosis of the liver fascioliasis.

The laparoscopic findings in 18 cases of liver fascioliasis are described. The characteristic lesions are white and yellow cords on the liver surface that delineate the necrotic tunneliform areas created by the parasite as it penetrates the hepatic tissue. The peritoneum adjacent to the liver also is frequently involved. There was ascites in the 22.2% of the cases. Guided laparoscopic biopsy of peritoneal nodules and of visible liver lesions yielded significant findings more often that percutaneous liver biopsy alone.