Chapter 1 - The Value of Gastrointestinal Biopsy

Summary

This chapter serves as a guide to gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy for the histopathologist for benign pathology and outlines the value to endoscopists of GI biopsies. It sets out to explain to a histopathology audience the decision-making process that endoscopists undertake when performing an endoscopic procedure and, crucially, what they need in return in a pathology report. There are explanations as to the thought processes that lead to endoscopic biopsies both in macroscopic disease and, perhaps more importantly, when appearances are normal. There is a guide to each anatomical area detailing how, where, and when to take samples from each region from the oesophagus to the rectum, followed by detailed up-to-date explanations on the latest guidelines for endoscopic sampling for each disease state. For each anatomical area there are practice point summaries and for some diseases detailed endoscopic pictures. The goal of this chapter is to enhance the pathologist’s knowledge of endoscopy, benign GI disease, and national and international sampling guidelines. Finally, we hope it serves as a guide for enhanced discussion between endoscopists and pathologists and encourages a collaborative approach to disease diagnosis.