Significant hemorrhage as a complication of hydraulic suction biopsy of the esophagus.
An histological diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is more accurately made with biopsies obtained by the hydraulic suction method than by endoscopic biopsy forceps. We report significant hemorrhage as a complication of biopsying the esophagus by hydraulic suction. This bleed was explained by an aberrantly large vessel in the lamina propria of an otherwise histologically normal esophagus. This risk of hemorrhage in our extensive experience is less than 0.1%, and hydraulic suction biopsy can be regarded as a safe technique and the optimal method of obtaining histological information in the esophagus.
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans