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Are 9 Biopsies Required After An Upper Endoscopy?

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Posted on Fri, 12 Jun 2015
Question: I'm writing this message because I am quite upset about my situation. I had an upper endoscopy a few days ago and I expressed concern about how many biopsies would be taken.
I was told they do the bare minimum if everything looks normal. When I woke up From the procedure I was told that they took a total of 9 biopsies from a normal heathy patient like me. 3 in esophagus 3 in stomach and 3 in duodenum. I am outraged and feel violated. If they didnt see anything abnormal why did they take so many? Is it bad that they took 9 biopsies? Is this normal and do they do this to people who are normal.

Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please follow the suggestions below,,,

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern, but don't be upset because in your case there's nothing to be upset with.

1. You are saying to be a healthy patient. However, you still underwent upper endoscopy.
To my opinion, you might have some GI symptoms that have made your doctor go for upper endoscopy and to take biopsy from the entire sites of upper GI tract.

These are normal steps to follow if a patient has some clinical presentation that should be confirmed by upper endoscopy and biopsy.

You are right become concerned because as per recommendations of XXXXXXX Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, no biopsy is advised in normal upper endoscopy. However, if the clinical presentation offers some patterns for any GI problem, biopsy is advised to run.

2. Can you please provide the reports of upper endoscopy? So, I can evaluate myself the changes they have noted together with your clinical presentation?

Thank you!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)
I do not have the reports as I just left the hospital and due for a follow up in a few months. I am concerned about the 9 biopsies as I have some stomach pain and its been 2 days after my endoscopy. Was this dangerous of the Doctor to take this many biopsies from a normal and healthy looking endoscopy? I am concerned that this was a dangerous move and if Im now at a greater risk for complications.

Please advise. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please follow the suggestions below

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Ok then, the pain you are feeling might be due to taking material from upper GI mucosa for biopsy.
This is a temporary situation and will subsided In a few days.

Another rare and more serious complication from upper endoscopy is bleeding. In your case, your symptoms are not suggestive for this complication (bleeding )

Once again, your situation is temporary and will subside in few days. Until the reports are in, you should be careful with your diet : no alcohol, no spicy, chilly foods, eat often and small portions, have more liquid dishes.

Antispasmodic medications may help reduce the pain such as buscopan, but you need a prescription for that. I also advise to use antacids to reduce the stomach hyperacidity after the procedure.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2266 Questions

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Are 9 Biopsies Required After An Upper Endoscopy?

Brief Answer: Please follow the suggestions below,,, Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concern, but don't be upset because in your case there's nothing to be upset with. 1. You are saying to be a healthy patient. However, you still underwent upper endoscopy. To my opinion, you might have some GI symptoms that have made your doctor go for upper endoscopy and to take biopsy from the entire sites of upper GI tract. These are normal steps to follow if a patient has some clinical presentation that should be confirmed by upper endoscopy and biopsy. You are right become concerned because as per recommendations of XXXXXXX Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, no biopsy is advised in normal upper endoscopy. However, if the clinical presentation offers some patterns for any GI problem, biopsy is advised to run. 2. Can you please provide the reports of upper endoscopy? So, I can evaluate myself the changes they have noted together with your clinical presentation? Thank you! Dr.Klerida