Biopsy question

[SunshineSmile]

Is there a way to get a biopsy that shows Crohn's from doing it laparoscopically from the outside of the intestine? Just was curious about that. Might be kind of a silly question! Sorry! :shifty:
Thanks!

 

[Nyx]

I've only ever had biopsies taken during a colonoscopy, so I wouldn't know if they do it any other way. I wouldn't imagine that a surgeon would come in just do a biopsy unless you have a mass showing on an ultrasound, x-ray, or CT Scan. Not sure though. Sorry this hasn't been more helpful...

 

[SunshineSmile]

Nyx, thank you for replying! Yeah, I wasn't sure either if they could do that. Just am curious!

 

[David]

It's not a silly question.

And the answer is yes.

Definitive diagnosis of enterhopathies such as celiac sprue Crohn's disease, and general malabsorptive or diarrheal disorders is often possible only with a small bowel biopsy. While duodenal or occasionally jejunal biopsy is possible endoscopically, the diagnosis may require a more specific site. Laparoscopy offers the potential for full-thickness, specifically directed biopsy." It also affords the option of visualization of the serosal surface of the bowel, which may aid in confirming diagnoses, especially in cases of suspected Crohn's disease.

Source

 

[SunshineSmile]

Wow! Great info David! Thank you very much!
My situation was that I had a pill cam that showed crohn's and then did another one but wasn't in a flare that time so it came back normal, so I was just wondering maybe they could get a biopsy a different way than doing an endoscopy, if it's in the middle of my small intestines (too far for a normal endoscope). Again, great info! Thank you so much!