Small bowel biopsy
Definition
Small bowel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a portion of the lining of the small intestine is removed for examination.
Alternative Names
Biopsy - small bowel
How the Test is Performed
Small bowel biopsy
samples are usually obtained by EGD
or colonoscopy
. During an EGD, a flexible tube (endoscope
) is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the upper gastrointestinal tract. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted through your rectum, through the colon, and into the end part of the small intestine. Tissue samples removed during endoscopy are sent to the laboratory for examination.
How to Prepare for the Test
Preparation for this test is similar to that for an EGD. Fasting for at least 4 hours is recommended. You must sign a consent form.
Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
How the Test Will Feel
The passage of the tube and capsule often makes a person feel like gagging (topical anesthetic is used to minimize this sensation).
A mild sedative can be given, but only in small doses because the person must remain alert enough to assist with the procedure (by doing such things as swallowing and turning). The biopsy sampling causes little or no pain, although it may cause some mild cramping.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is most often performed to help diagnose diseases of the small intestines.
Normal Results
Normal small bowel tissue includes finger-like projections (villi), crypts, columnar epithelial cells, and round cells.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal findings may include:
- Ulcers
- Polyps
- Abnormalities of the mucosa or villi (for example, flattening)
-
Radiation enteritis
- PAS positive macrophages (specific type of immune cells)
- Swollen or enlarged intestinal lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels
Disorders and conditions that may be indicated by changes found on small bowel biopsy include:
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include lactose intolerance
.
Risks
Complications are rare but may include:
- Bowel perforation (hole in the bowel)
- Excessive bleeding from the biopsy site
- Infection of the biopsy site leading to bacteremia
- Vomiting and subsequent aspiration
into the lungs
Considerations
Contraindications (factors that prohibit use of this test) may include uncooperative or confused patients, people taking aspirin or anticoagulants (greatly increases risk of bleeding), and people with untreated coagulation (blood clotting) disorders.
The greatest risk is bleeding. Signs include abdominal pain
, blood in the stools
, or vomiting blood
.
Review Date: 5/8/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
