What is Small Intestine Biopsy?

Small Intestine Biopsy is a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the small intestine. The small intestine is the part of the digestive system that connects the stomach to the large intestine.

This procedure is done so that the tissue sample can be sent to a lab for examination and testing. You may need a small intestine biopsy if you have symptoms of a disease or growth in the small intestine. You may also have a biopsy to learn more about a condition that you have been diagnosed with.

In this procedure, your health care provider passes a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) through your mouth and down into your small intestine. A small camera is attached to the end of the tube. Images from the camera appear on a monitor in the exam room. This procedure may also be called a small bowel biopsy.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• A hole (perforation) in the small intestine.
• Lung infection caused by breathing stomach juices into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia).

What happens before the procedure?

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
• Plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
• To reduce your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Your skin will be washed with soap.
• Your throat may be sprayed with medicine that numbs the area (local anesthetic).
• You may be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• You will lie on your side.
• A mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth.
• The endoscope will be passed through a hole in the mouthpiece, down your throat, through your stomach, and into your small intestine. You will be asked to swallow as the endoscope goes down your throat.
• Your health care provider may pass air into your intestine. This makes it easier to move the endoscope and to see images clearly.
• A tissue sample will be removed from of the inside of your small intestine through the endoscope. This will not cause you pain.
• The endoscope will be removed.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• When your throat is no longer numb, you may be given some fluids to drink.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.

Small Intestine Biopsy, Care After

These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• A sore throat.
• Bloating.
• A small amount of dark blood in your stool.

Follow these instructions at home:

• It is your responsibility to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider or the department performing the procedure when your results will be ready.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about what to eat or drink after your procedure.
• Rest and return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after your procedure.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have abdominal pain.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• You have a cough.

Get help right away if:

• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You vomit blood or your vomit looks like coffee grounds.
• You have bright red blood in your stool.
• You have blood clots in your stool.
• You have chest pain.
• You have difficulty breathing.