Prospective Audit of Mucosal Biopsy Specimens of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Overview

Journal J Clin Pathol

Specialty Pathology

Date 1995 Oct 1

PMID 8537494

Citations 1

Authors

P M Stephenson

P J Gallagher

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Aims: To determine why mucosal biopsy specimens of the gastrointestinal tract were taken and whether they were justified on clinical or pathological grounds.

Methods: A prospective audit of 190 consecutive biopsy specimens received in a university hospital histology department over six weeks.

Results: The 31 separate presenting symptoms included diarrhoea (34%), abdominal pain (16%) and rectal bleeding (15%). In 41% (78/190) the histology was normal, 28% (53/190) showed inflammatory changes and 11% 21/190) carcinoma. A clear justification for the procedure was identified in over 90% (171/190) of patients. In 36% (68/190) there was a change in patient management on receipt of biopsy reports and further investigations were ordered in 29% (55/190). The mean time taken to report biopsy specimens was 4.7 working days and there was no difference between the reporting time of a pathologist compared with a consultant or a trainee.

Conclusions: There is no evidence that mucosal biopsy specimens are taken unnecessarily.

Citing Articles

The pathologist in the 21st century--generalist or specialist?.

Kirkham N J Clin Pathol. 2000; 53(1):7-9.

PMID: 10767845 PMC: 1731049. DOI: 10.1136/jcp.53.1.7.

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