[Duodenal Biopsies: Individual or Multiple Samples?].

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal biopsies are crucial for appropriate diagnosis of multiple pathologies. For that reason, the pathologist must have the right quantity and quality of tissue. It is not clear yeat what is the best way to obtain it while performing the endoscopy.

OBJECTIVES

This study seeks to compare the quality of duodenal samples obtained by two different biopsy protocols.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Four hundred patients referred for upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsies indications were separated in two groups: "multiple samples" (two) or "individual sample". Patients with no indication for duodenal biopsy were excluded.

RESULTS

When multiple samples were taken, 87% were suitable for histopathological analysis and when individual sample was taken, 86.5% were suitable for histopathological analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that multiple samples (two) or individual sample both provide specimens of similar quality suitable for histopathological diagnosis.