Endoscopic biopsy yielding upper gastrointestinal malignancies

Objective:Aim of this study is to find the optimal number of endoscopic biopsies needed to diagnose the upper gastrointestinal malignancies in the patient who undergoes endoscopic evaluation. Methods:This is an observational study conducted in Government Stanely Medical College. Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms underwent esophago gastroduodenoscopy using forward viewing scope after getting the proper consent from them. Procedure was done by well experienced endoscopist. In patients with suspected lesion of malignancy in the tract, biopsies are taken. Number of biopsies aimed are eight and serially taken biopsies are labelled in four separate vials. Each vial contains two consecutive samples in the 10% formal saline solution.Details of the site, extent, and type of the lesion were recorded.In case of haemorrhage or any complications the procedure is terminated with proper monitoring of patient until discharged. Results:The yield of endoscopic biopsy specimens from 50 patients after combining the results from successive vials. The yield in the first vial is 94% and the cumulative percentage of the second vial yielded 100%, which means the malignancy in the specimen is proved without doubt in the first two vials itself for all the patients.Conclusion:In conclusion, this study shows that four biopsy specimens are likely to yield a 100% diagnosis in advanced upper gastrointestinal malignancies. Whereas the endoscopic biopsy yield in the early stages of carcinomas should be evaluated in further studies