title: A new instrument for suction rectal biopsy in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.
abstract: A new instrument for suction rectal biopsy in infants suspected of having Hirschsprung's disease is described that can be completely dismantled, physically cleaned, lubricated, and heat-sterilised. These attributes are new and are absolutely critical today. The instrument has been used in 60 patients (ca. 180 biopsies) from 1988 to 1994. A successful biopsy was usually achieved and no major complications occurred. Recently, a second biopsy capsule with a larger port has been added, thus enhancing the versatility of the instrument. The original instrument has never been sharpened or repaired and is still in use. A direct descendant of this prototype instrument is now commercially available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D006627:Hirschsprung Disease / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology*