Directed cytology of the esophagus and stomach: A comparison of 3 rapid collection methods

Abstract

Directed gastrointestinal cytology complements forceps biopsy and the combination of techniques has greater diagnostic accuracy than either used alone. In an attempt to develop an easy, reliable method of obtaining cytological specimens without prolonging the endoscopic procedure, a comparison of brush cytology and 2 new methods for collecting specimens was made. The new methods utilize the aspiration channel of Olympus endoscopes. The aspirated specimens were collected in a mucus trap attached to the endoscope. These methods included (a) aspiration of exfoliated cells directly from the surface of lesions, and (b) aspiration of material remaining within the biopsy channel after brushing and/or forceps biopsies. Salvage of material remaining within the endoscopic channel provided a useful and rapid method of obtaining cytological specimens.