Do not take mucosal biopsies when the histopathological results would not change the patient management.

Dec 12, 2023

Do not take mucosal biopsies when the histopathological results would not change the patient management.

Type of practice

Other tests

Age

Adult, Geriatric, Pediatric

Topic Area

Gastroenterology

The processing of biopsies entails an added energy requirement and generates hazardous waste and a significant carbon footprint. International Guidelines endorsed strategies to safely avoid the need for histological analysis (use of optical diagnosis, apply the resect-and-discard strategy for colorectal polyps, adequate follow-up intervals); unnecessary biopsies may also induce a number of low-yield procedures and harmful treatments.

Sources

1. Gordon IO, Sherman JD, Leapman M et al. Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of gastrointestinal biopsies in a surgical pathology laboratory. Am J Clin Pathol 2021;156:540-549.
2. Pouw RE, Barret M, Biermann K et al. Endoscopic tissue sampling-Part 1: Upper gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary tracts. ESGE Guideline. Endoscopy 2021;53(11):1174-1188.
3. Pouw RE, Bisschops R, Gecse KB et al. Endoscopic tissue sampling-Part 2: Lower gastrointestinal tract. ESGE Guideline. Endoscopy 2021;53(12):1261-1273.
4. Costaouec N, Lafeuille P, Chuquimia O et al. Implementing a “resect and discard” strategy using a characterization mobile app: toward a more sustainable endoscopy practice. Endoscopy 2025;57:E648-E650.

Download

PDF

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.