MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Small intestine biopsy

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Small intestine biopsy

Small bowel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a portion of the small bowel lining is removed for examination. A flexible fiberoptic or video tube (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth or nose and into the upper gastrointestinal tract where a tissue sample is removed. This test is most often performed to help diagnose diseases of the small intestines.

Update Date: 8/21/2006

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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