Modification to the Technique for Small Bowel Biopsy in Children

Abstract

SMALL BOWEL mucosal biopsy in children using a modified Crosby capsule has been an unsatisfactory investigatory technique in our hands because of the uncertainty of the capsule passing through the pylorus. The procedure carried a very high failure rate in the children between 2 and 5 years of age, and a high success rate in children over the age of 5 years. This experience is very similar to that reported by Sheldon and Tempany.¹ The length of time required for each procedure has been considerable and the lack of control over the inserted capsule using a flexible tube had been a problem. Previously we have not been able to fix to the capsule a tube which is firm and capable of being manipulated. Metoclopramide hydrochloride (4-amino-5-chloro-N-[2-(diethylamino) ethyl]-o anisamide hydrochloride) has been shown to increase gastric peristalsis in several studies including those of Grivaux et al² Tourneur et