Every day, people with various problems turn to gastroenterologists. The main task of the doctor is to make the correct diagnosis so as not to miss the time and give the patient a chance for recovery. Often, a biopsy of the stomach is prescribed as a diagnostic study, since this is the most reliable analysis for suspected cancer. So what is a biopsy and how is this study done?
Biopsy: method description
The term "biopsy" came to medicine from the Greek language. It is formed from two words: “life” and “appearance”. The method is based on the fact that a tiny piece of tissue is taken from a patient and its cellular composition is carefully examined at high magnification. A biopsy differs in the way the material is taken and in the accuracy class. In some cases, material may be needed for histological examination. This means that the structure of the tissues of the sample taken will undergo a study. In others, for cytological analysis. This means that the structure, reproduction and condition of the cells of the sample will be studied.
When talking about the accuracy class of a procedure, they mean three types of manipulation:
- A classic biopsy, which has a second name - search. This procedure is carried out in the early stages of the disease, when the location of the tumor is still not visually detectable.
- An open biopsy when the material for examination is taken during a surgical operation. This may be the entire neoplasm or any part of it.
- A targeted biopsy, which can be performed when a tumor is detected, when the doctor can take the material directly from the neoplasm at the border with healthy tissue. A targeted biopsy is performed using an endoscope, under the supervision of an ultrasound, under x-ray control or stereotactic method.
Gastrobiopsy of the stomach
A stomach biopsy can be given to a patient with many complaints. The purpose of the manipulation is to obtain a fragment of the gastric mucosa for analysis. Examination of the obtained sample with an accuracy of more than 95% confirms the change in tissues and allows us to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
A biopsy of the gastric mucosa can be performed using a probe without visual control or with a gastroscope. This is a special device that allows you to visually control the sampling. The more complex name of this medical procedure is endoscopic endoscopy, i.e. esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Description of the gastroscope
A gastroscope makes it possible to examine the walls of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. This medical diagnostic equipment has the form of a flexible tube of considerable length, in which a light source, an optical system and the actual instrument for taking particles of tissue are placed. As a tool, forceps, a medical knife, a loop or a retracting electromagnetic device can be used. Using such equipment allows you to get a sample from a specific area of the body.
Gastroscopy is constantly being improved. Equipment is becoming more accurate and manageable. The modern method has a specific name - endoscopic biopsy.
Indications for a biopsy of the stomach
A biopsy can be prescribed in the following cases:
- studies are prescribed to identify oncopathology or precancerous conditions;
- analysis may be necessary for acute or chronic gastritis;
- to clarify the ulcerative process and exclude suspicions of oncology;
- with damage to the gastric mucosa to clarify the volume of the organ resection;
- a biopsy of the stomach allows you to detect the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori in digestive disorders;
- the study allows you to assess the condition of the patient after surgery or radiation therapy.
However, despite the high efficiency, this diagnostic method can not be applied to all patients.
Contraindications
When diagnosing any disease, the doctor must ensure that he does not harm the patient and does not put his life at risk. Based on this principle, in the appointment of any procedure, all possible contraindications are taken into account. In the case of a stomach biopsy, this is:
- state of shock;
- diseases of the heart and vascular system;
- inflammatory or other pathological processes in the pharynx, larynx or in the respiratory tract;
- diathesis (hemorrhagic form);
- infectious diseases in the acute stage;
- narrowing of the esophagus;
- the presence of perforations of the walls of the stomach;
- burn of the stomach with chemicals;
- psychical deviations
- allergic reactions to pain medications (lidocaine and others).
In addition to obvious contraindications, the doctor must take into account the psychological preparation of the patient for the procedure. If there is a pronounced fear, then the study is better not to conduct.
How to prepare for a biopsy
If a biopsy of the stomach is prescribed, the patient should be referred to a hospital. Technically, carrying out the procedure in a clinic is possible, but impractical, since in the event of complications, it will be more difficult to help the patient.
Before carrying out the manipulation, medical personnel must make sure that there are no contraindications. After this, the patient is prescribed an x-ray of the stomach.
The patient is required to strictly abstain from food and drink for 12-15 hours before the procedure. A stomach biopsy is performed only on an empty stomach, since food masses interfere with an internal examination of the gastric mucosa, and with the introduction of a gastroscope tube, a gag reflex can be triggered. Abstinence should be so strict that the day before the procedure, patients are not even allowed to brush their teeth and chewing gum.
Procedure
So, the patient is prescribed a biopsy of the stomach. How is this procedure done? If the patient is inflated and cannot calm down himself, he is offered to inject a sedative. A person should lie on his left side and straighten up. The doctor treats the oral cavity and the upper part of the esophagus with an antiseptic and starts to enter the endoscope. In modern medical centers, a biopsy of the stomach is performed using advanced medical equipment, which means that the tube is thin, and the camera and the device for taking a sample of a minimum size. Ingestion of this equipment practically does not cause discomfort. The specialist monitors the procedure through a monitor.
Decryption of a biopsy of the stomach
The interpretation of the results depends on the laboratory that conducted the analysis, since research centers use different methods of obtaining information. The deadline for receiving a response is from three days.
All results are conditionally divided into several groups:
- Incomplete analysis. The amount of material is not enough to obtain a reliable result, the procedure must be repeated.
- Normal analysis. The material is not abnormal, the diagnosis is not confirmed.
- Benign result. The presence of a neoplasm is confirmed, its character is benign. It is necessary to control and repeat the analysis after a certain time.
- Malignant result. The neoplasm consists of cancer cells, its size is determined, the localization is specified, the degree is established.
The decryption may contain information about the form of the disease, describe the state of cells and organ tissues, set the size of the epithelium villi and the depth of the crypts.
Place of procedure
Today, the patient has the right to choose. He can pick up a medical cent that causes him maximum confidence. Residents of Russia, for example, can apply to the modern medical holding SM-Clinic. This is the largest network of medical centers, including 12 multidisciplinary institutions for adults and children.
When contacting a medical center, a person must be sure of the qualifications of his staff. In addition, the availability of modern medical equipment is an important factor for making a decision. The medical center “SM-Clinic” is able to meet the requirements of the most demanding customers. Turning to a gastroenterologist, one can be sure that a biopsy of the stomach will be performed by a qualified specialist using the latest developments in the field of gastroscopy.