Dallas
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
Plano
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Prosper
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)
A rectal suction biopsy is a test done for children with severe or long term constipation (difficulty passing stools).
A small amount of bleeding maybe seen after the biopsy.
A special instrument is placed in the child’s rectum by the doctor to obtain pieces of the lining of the rectum for inspection. Two good specimens are needed for the study. Sometimes it takes more than two times to get enough samples. This is a short test, lasting 5-10 minutes, causing very little discomfort.
The test allows the doctor to take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from the rectum (the last part of the large intestine). The pathologist will then check to see if there are nerve (ganglion) cells in the sample. Results are usually available in about a week. If the biopsy shows that there are no nerve cells this mean that your child probably has a condition called Hirschsprung's disease.
You may see some blood after the procedure and with the first bowel movement. Call the physician if you see blood clots, blood that is greater than the amount of one teaspoon at a time, or ongoing bleeding.