Abstract
Introduction Colonoscopy is advocated in the investigation of chronic diarrhoea. Previous studies have supported the use of routine colonoscopic biopsy in those with normal endoscopic appearances. We assessed the additional value of colonic and ileal biopsies compared with endoscopy alone in the investigation of a cohort of patients with chronic diarrhoea attending a tertiary referral centre. Methods A retrospective search of the endoscopy database was carried out, amongst patients that underwent colonoscopy, ileoscopy, colonic and ileal biopsies in the investigation of chronic diarrhoea. The histological reports from all biopsies were then retrieved, and the data examined. Results 40 endoscopy and histology reports were reviewed and compared. There were 23 males and 17 females in the group, the age range was 6-77 years. 31 had normal endoscopic appearances. Discussion Seven out of 40 (17.5%) had abnormal colonic or ileal histology with normal endoscopic appearances. These data support the use of routine colonic and ileal biopsy in the investigation of patients with chronic diarrhoea and normal colonoscopy.
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