Health Encyclopedia

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:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

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 Values

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.

What the risks are

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

Special 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.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.