A novel method of full-thickness gastric biopsy via a percutaneous, endoscopically assisted, transenteric approach.

Background: Pathologic changes of the enteric nervous system of the stomach have been described in gastroparesis. Because the enteric nervous system lies within the myenteric plexus between the muscle layers of the stomach, it is not accessible by standard biopsy forceps. Thus, tissue must be obtained by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Obtaining full-thickness biopsies with a less-invasive method would be an ideal alternative.

Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of a novel method of gastric, full-thickness biopsy by using a percutaneous, endoscopically assisted, transenteric approach.

Design: Experimental pilot study in 3 dogs, approved by the animal care committee.

Intervention: Under general anesthesia, dogs underwent gastroscopy, and a suitable biopsy area was chosen, based on indentation of the anterior stomach wall by external finger pressure on the abdominal skin and by endoscope transillumination. Using sterile technique, we made a 3-mm incision through the abdominal skin, and a spring-loaded, 14-gauge biopsy needle was used to take 4 separate antral biopsies from each dog, with no mucosal or abdominal closure intervention.

Main Outcome Measurements: Feasibility of obtaining enteric nervous system tissue; morbidity and mortality at 4 weeks; gross pathology at necropsy.

Results: The procedure was well tolerated by the dogs, with no morbidity or mortality at any time, up to 4 weeks after the procedure. Adequate tissue specimens were obtained for histologic analysis of all layers of the stomach, including enteric nervous system elements.

Limitations: Biopsy size was smaller than a surgical biopsy size.

Conclusion: The percutaneous, endoscopically assisted, transenteric approach, full-thickness biopsy technique is safe and obtains enteric nervous tissue in a simple, minimally invasive manner.