This volume, the proceedings of a one-day symposium held in Chicago, USA, on November 6, 1997, provides an update for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and basic scientists with an interest in primary biliary cirrhosis. New insights into the pathogenesis and the natural history of the disease are discussed, and approaches to management of the complications as well as newer therapeutic options are presented by internationally recognized authors. It is intended that this book will help foster new and better approaches for the management of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.