Prospective study to evaluate the dignostic value of b-mode ultrasound, elastometry and mini-laparoscopic guided liver biopsy for the diagnosis of compensated liver cirrhosis.

Up to now the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis is to perform liver biopsy. This invasive methode is not undisputed. Therefore there is constant effort to improve, develop and apply better diagnostic tools. This study is designed to evaluate the in our eyes now a days most promising examinations: (1) high frequency ultrasound, (2) elastometry and (3) minilaparoscopy. Patients for whom the clinical decision to perform mini laparoscopic guided liver biopsy was taken should be recruited. Successive at three time points the examiner has to decide for or against cirrhosis: (1) after conventional and high frequency ultrasound (2) after elastometry and (3) after laparoscopy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical decision to perform minilaparoscopic guided liver biopsy for the staging of liver disease including the assessment of the degree of fibrosis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• ascites
• decompensated liver disease
• esophageal varices
• other collateral circulations
• obstructive cholestasis
• severe heart insufficiency (NYHA III-IV)

patients with suspected chronic liver disease