Biopsy - biliary tract Health Article

Definition

A biliary tract biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue or material from the duodenum, bile ducts, pancreas, or pancreatic duct. The sample is then tested for malignancy (cancer) or other diseases.

Alternative Names

Cytology analysis - biliary tract

How the test is performed

Tissue or material samples can be obtained in several ways, depending on the particular problem.

If there is a well-defined tumor, the sample can be taken through an aspiration needle. If the biopsy sample is taken through a needle, the puncture site will be numbed, and the needle inserted through the skin into the lining or tissue to be tested. A small amount of tissue is taken in through the needle, and the needle is removed. The puncture site is then covered to control any bleeding. Pressure may be applied to the puncture site if bleeding continues.

If there is an abnormality such as a stricture (narrowing) or blockage of the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts, a sample can be taken during procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA).

If the sample is taken during the ERCP, an endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum. A catheter is inserted through the endoscope and into bile duct, and the sample is obtained. If a stricture or blockage is observed, the area will be brushed, and the sample of the brushed material will be analyzed.

If a PTCA is performed, the puncture site will be numbed, and the needle will be inserted through the skin into the ducts. A catheter will then be inserted to obtain a sample from the ducts.