Inflammatory bowel disease part 5A - Basics of pathology / colonic biopsy / Intestinal biopsy
Colonic Biopsy or intestinal biopsy plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. When a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, obtaining a biopsy during endoscopic procedures is essential for accurate diagnosis and differentiation between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The biopsy specimens provide microscopic examination of the intestinal tissue, revealing characteristic features like mucosal inflammation, crypt distortion, and immune cell infiltration. This detailed histological analysis aids in confirming the diagnosis, assessing disease severity, and guiding treatment decisions. Moreover, biopsies assist in ruling out potential mimickers and differentials, such as infectious colitis or colorectal malignancies, which may present with similar clinical manifestations. The precise information gleaned from biopsies not only contributes to the understanding of the underlying pathology but also enables healthcare professionals to tailor therapeutic interventions for optimal outcomes in patients with IBD. Therefore, biopsy remains an indispensable tool in the diagnostic armamentarium for inflammatory bowel disease, facilitating a more targeted and personalized approach to patient care.