Are 9 Biopsies Required After An Upper Endoscopy?
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
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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
Please advise. Thank you
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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