Small bowel tissue smear/biopsy

Small Bowel Tissue Smear/Biopsy

What is a Small Bowel Tissue Smear/Biopsy? A small bowel tissue smear/biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking small samples of tissue from the small intestine or colon for analysis. It is commonly used to diagnose and evaluate gastrointestinal diseases and disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Preparation

• Your doctor may recommend that you avoid food for several hours prior to your small bowel tissue smear/biopsy.
• You may also need to take certain medications, such as antibiotics and antacids, to reduce the risk of infection.
• If your doctor is performing a biopsy in the small intestine, he or she may recommend that you take an enema the night before your procedure.
• Before the procedure, your doctor will ask you about any allergies you may have and will check your vital signs.
• You will also need to sign a consent form before the procedure begins.

Procedure

• Your doctor will first numb the area where the tissue sample will be taken.
• A thin needle or biopsy forceps may be used to take a small sample of tissue.
• The sample is placed into a sterile tube or on a glass slide and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The procedure usually takes just a few minutes and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
• You may feel some discomfort during the procedure, but the area should not be painful afterward.

Types

There are two types of small bowel tissue biopsies: endoscopic and surgical.

• Endoscopic biopsies use a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to take a sample of tissue.
• Surgical biopsies involve making a small incision in the abdomen and taking a sample of tissue.

Risks

• The risk of infection is low, but possible, and can be reduced by taking antibiotics before and after the procedure.
• The tissue sample may be inadequate or damaged, resulting in an inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis.
• You may experience some pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• If the tissue sample is taken from the colon, you may experience cramping or bleeding.

Why is a Small Bowel Tissue Smear/Biopsy Performed?

A small bowel tissue smear/biopsy can help your doctor diagnose and monitor various gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease. This procedure can also be used to check for tumors, infections, and other conditions.

When is it Perform?

A small bowel tissue smear/biopsy is usually performed when your doctor suspects that you have an underlying gastrointestinal disorder. It may also be done to monitor the progression of a disease or to check for tumors or infections.