Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis and other histological liver abnormalities in patients operated on for ulcerative colitis and to discuss the advantages of performing a systematic liver biopsy during surgery.

Methods: From 1996 to 2001, 21 consecutive patients underwent a restorative proctocolectomy or a reoperation after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. These patients systematically underwent liver biopsy during the procedure.

Results: One patient presented with primary sclerosing cholangitis (4.7%). This patient was clinically and biologically asymptomatic. Four patients had steatosis, 8 had non specific inflammation such as small duct cholangitis and 8 had normal liver biopsy. As a result medical treatment was adapted and close surveillance of the live was begun.

Conclusions: Peroperative liver biopsy identify primary sclerosing cholangitis or other liver diseases in an early diagnosis and help evaluate their stage in order to start appropriate treatment.