Endoscopy with biopsy is a commonly requested examination by gastroenterologists as it is a safe way to assist in the diagnosis of diseases and conditions that may affect the upper digestive tract, such as:
- esophageal ulcers;
- esophageal cancer;
- infections caused by fungi;
- gastritis;
- stomach cancer;
- celiac disease;
- duodenal cancer;
- duodenal ulcer, etc.
What is endoscopy with biopsy?
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy, also called cytology in the research of Helicobacter pylori, can be performed on the upper structures of the digestive system, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
It was originally developed to remove small samples of stomach tissue to diagnose the presence of Helicobacter pylori – or H. pylori, as it is also known.
What is the purpose of endoscopy with biopsy?
Today, digestive endoscopy with biopsy, or cytology, is used in medicine to diagnose a series of diseases and conditions that affect the digestive system, such as ulcers, gastritis, reflux, and types of cancer.
In the case of ulcers and gastritis, the main goal of the examination is to find traces of H. pylori, since this bacterium can colonize the stomach and cause various symptoms, in addition to being a cofactor in the development of stomach cancer.
The doctor usually requests the performance of endoscopy with biopsy for complaints such as stomach pain, abdominal pain, burning, heartburn, and reflux.
How is endoscopy with biopsy performed?
The examination can be performed in hospitals, clinics, and offices. The patient needs to be fasting and bring a companion to assist them after the endoscopy, as an intravenous sedative is applied.
The doctor administers the sedative intravenously and uses a type of anesthetic spray in the throat. The patient is placed on their side on a stretcher, and the professionals ensure that the position is comfortable.
A flexible tube, called an endoscope, is inserted through the patient’s mouth and travels down the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum, allowing for the capture of a tissue sample.
In addition to tissue collection, images are captured and transmitted to a high-definition monitor, so that the doctor can perform a clinical analysis of the case.
The need for biopsy
A biopsy is necessary when it is necessary to remove a small sample of tissue for analysis. In upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the biopsy is done using a very fine forceps present in the endoscope.
The collected tissue sample goes to a specialized pathology laboratory for histological investigation. Subsequently, the result is sent back to the doctor, usually after 15 days.
Although endoscopic biopsies are performed after the suspicion of the presence of the bacterium H. pylori, the examination also serves to study the mucosa of the esophagus and stomach in order to diagnose any changes and, even, the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions.
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Residência em Endoscopia Digestiva no Hospital das Clínicas da USP (HCFMUSP)
Residência em Gastroenterologia no Hospital Universitário da UFSC
Presidente da SOBED / SC na gestão 2018-2020
Médico da clínica Endogastro em Florianópolis e ProGastro em Joinville