Culture - duodenal tissue

Culture duodenal tissue

Duodenal tissue cultures, or tissue biopsies, are procedures that analyze a small amount of tissue from the first section of the small intestine, the duodenum. The specimen is taken from the lining of the duodenum and cultured to study its chemical composition as well as any microorganisms that may be present.

Preparation

Preparation for a duodenal tissue culture generally involves an endoscopy procedure. In general, the patient is asked to not eat or drink anything for at least six to eight hours prior to the procedure. Wearing comfortable clothing and an identification bracelet is usually necessary along with an emptying of the bladder prior to the procedure.

Procedure

During the duodenal tissue biopsy procedure itself, the patient's vital signs will be monitored. Then, an endoscope is inserted from the patient's mouth and down the throat until it reaches the duodenum. The patient is then asked to swallow and the endoscope is pushed further down the digestive track until it reaches the area of tissue to be examined. The small piece of tissue is then removed and sent off for further analysis.

Types

There are three main types of duodenal tissue cultures - surface biopsies, crypt biopsies, and villus biopsies. With surface biopsies, a thin layer of cells is taken from the area where the lining of the duodenum and the stomach join. Crypt biopsies take a larger tissue sample, usually involving three or four crypt openings. Villus biopsies take the largest tissue sample, taking up to 20 villus tips.

Risks

As with any endoscopic procedure, there are risks involved with duodenal tissue culture biopsies. Bleeding, infection, or even a puncture in the small intestine can occur. In addition, there is the risk of an allergic reaction to the endoscopy equipment or medication used during the procedure.

Why

Duodenal tissue cultures are mainly used to identify any issues with the gastro-intestinal tract and to diagnose certain digestion-related diseases. They are also used to assess the effects of different drugs on the small intestine, to study certain hereditary conditions, and to identify the presence of any viral or bacterial infections in the duodenum.

When

Generally, duodenal tissue cultures are performed when someone is experiencing persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, bloating or nausea. It is also used to diagnose or manage autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's Disease, gastro-intestinal cancers, and other digestion-related illnesses.