Endoscopic Biopsy
A biopsy is a tiny piece of tissue taken through the endoscope and examined under a microscope. It is what turns an appearance into a diagnosis. It is painless, adds only a minute or two to the procedure, and is often the difference between treating a guess and treating a condition.
- Painless, taken through the scope
- Adds a minute or two only
- Confirms the diagnosis rather than assuming it
- Results usually within a week
Stay
Day care, as part of an endoscopy
Duration
Adds a few minutes to the endoscopy
Anaesthesia
As for the endoscopy
About Endoscopic Biopsy
The lining of the digestive tract can look inflamed for many different reasons, and several of them need entirely different treatment. A biopsy resolves that. Tiny forceps are passed down the endoscope and a fragment of tissue is taken, which the patient does not feel because the lining has no pain nerves of the kind skin has. The sample goes to the laboratory and is reported by a pathologist.
- The digestive lining has no pain sensation of the kind skin has
- Multiple samples are often taken from different areas
- Tests for Helicobacter pylori, coeliac disease and inflammation
- Reported by a pathologist, not by the endoscopist
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about endoscopic biopsy. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest endoscopic biopsy.
- Inflammation or ulceration seen during an endoscopy
- Suspected Helicobacter pylori infection
- Suspected coeliac disease
- Chronic diarrhoea being investigated
- Any growth or abnormal area needing a diagnosis
- Monitoring of known inflammatory bowel disease
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
During the endoscopy
Once the area of interest is seen, fine forceps are passed down the channel of the scope.
Taking the sample
Several small fragments are taken from different areas. You will not feel this happening.
Sending to the laboratory
The samples are placed in preservative, labelled and sent to histopathology for processing and reporting.
The result
A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. The report usually comes back within about a week and is discussed with you.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- The same preparation as the endoscopy itself, so fasting as instructed
- Tell the team about blood thinners, as these matter more when tissue is being taken
- Mention any bleeding disorder
- Bring previous biopsy reports if this is a follow-up
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- There is no additional recovery beyond the endoscopy itself
- A small amount of blood-streaked saliva or stool can occur and settles quickly
- Resume normal food once the throat numbness has worn off
- Heavy bleeding or severe pain is uncommon and needs immediate attention
- Results are explained at a follow-up appointment or by telephone
Why choose Humayun for endoscopic biopsy
A biopsy is only as good as the laboratory that reports it and the speed the result comes back.
- Histopathology on site, so samples are not couriered elsewhere
- Pathologists who discuss findings with the gastroenterologist rather than only writing a report
- Samples taken during the same endoscopy, so there is no second procedure
- Results explained at a follow-up rather than left as a report to interpret
Your Health Matters
Take the next step towards better healthcare.
Connect with our experienced specialists and find the right care for you and your family.
More in Gastroenterology
Upper GI Endoscopy
A thin camera passed through the mouth to look directly at the food pipe, stomach and first part of the intestine.
Colonoscopy
A camera examination of the large bowel, used to investigate bleeding and changed bowel habit and to remove polyps.
Polypectomy
Removal of a polyp during colonoscopy, which prevents most bowel cancers rather than treating them.
Endoscopic Management of GI Disorders
Treatment delivered through the endoscope itself, including stopping bleeding, widening narrowings and removing foreign bodies.