Deeper rectal biopsies and better yield of neuronal structures with Scheye vs Noblett forceps--preliminary results

The evaluation of rectal mucosal punch biopsy in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease: a 30-year experience of 954 patients

PURPOSE

For 30 years, we have consecutively performed rectal mucosal punch biopsy to diagnose Hirschsprung's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of our technique.

METHODS

Patients with suspected Hirschsprung's disease who underwent punch biopsy, including our original "K-PUNCH" method using an S-moid forceps and non-specific blood-collecting tube at our department and branch hospital between April 1986 and March 2016 were included in the present study. Our punch biopsy technique is characterized by excellent visibility and a direct grasping sensation. The backgrounds and complications of the patients were retrospectively investigated.

RESULTS

During this period, 954 patients (median age 4 months; range 1 day-73 years) underwent punch biopsy. Although there were no cases of severe complications (i.e., rectal perforation, infection or full-thickness biopsy), one (0.1%) of the 954 cases in the early period showed liver dysfunction and required transfusion due to bleeding. In addition, inappropriate specimens were obtained in 37 patients (3.9%).

CONCLUSION

Punch biopsy including the "K-PUNCH" method is considered safe and feasible and is associated with a low rate of complications and inappropriate specimen harvesting among patients of all ages. Comorbidities, including the potential for hemorrhage, should always be considered.

Rectal biopsy for Hirschsprung's disease: a review of techniques, pathology, and complications

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is one of the most common congenital anomalies of colorectal function, affecting approximately 1 in 5000 live births, with a 4:1 male predominance. HD is characterized by aganglionosis that is most often limited to the rectosigmoid, but can extend proximally along the colon and, in rare instances, reach into the small intestine. A clinical history of delayed passage of meconium beyond 48 hours after birth, physical exam findings of abdominal distention and vomiting, and a contrast enema demonstrating a transition zone are highly suggestive of HD.

DATA SOURCES

We searched databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for the following key words: Hirschsprung's disease, rectal biopsy, pathology, ganglion cell, nerve trunk hypertrophy, pediatric constipation, and selected publications written in English that were relevant to the scope of this review.

RESULTS

Based on the data presented in the literature, we reviewed 1) biopsy techniques for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease, addressed inadequate biopsies, and complications from rectal biopsy, and 2) pathologic and histologic interpretation of biopsy specimens for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.

CONCLUSION

A well-executed rectal biopsy with expert pathologic evaluation of the specimen remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease and is the subject of this review.

Rectal suction biopsy for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease: a systematic review of diagnostic accuracy and complications

PURPOSE

Rectal suction biopsy (RSB) combined with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). However, some pathologists are still reluctant to diagnose HD in RSBs as it requires thick submucosal tissue to confirm the absence of ganglion cells. Furthermore, insufficient specimens and adverse events have been reported. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and incidence of complications of RSBs in patients suspected of HD based on a systematic review of the published literature.

METHODS

A literature-based search for relevant publications was conducted using multiple online databases. Staining for AChE/hematoxylin and eosin should have been used to evaluate RSBs. The number of true-positive, false-positive, true-negative and false-negative results was recorded and data on RSB-related complications was extracted. Pooled incidence rates and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using standardized statistical methodology.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight studies met defined inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 14,053 RSBs. The median cohort size consisted of 72 patients (range 1-766) with a median age of 14.4 months (range 1 day-66 years) at time of biopsy. In 89.93% (CI 89.11-90.70%), RSB provided adequate tissue for the diagnosis of HD. Insufficient specimens were obtained in 10.07% (CI 9.30-10.89%) and in 8.46 % (CI 7.55-9.46%) RSB was repeated. The incidence of HD was 19.13% (CI 18.25-20.03%). Mean sensitivity of RSB was 96.84% (CI 95.57-97.47%) and mean specificity was 99.42% (CI 99.17-99.57%). The overall complication rate was 0.65% (CI 0.46-0.91%) with persistent rectal bleeding requiring blood transfusion in 0.53% (CI 0.36-0.77%), bowel perforation in 0.06% (CI 0.02-0.18%) and pelvic sepsis in 0.06% (CI 0.02-0.18%). Complications were significantly more frequent in newborns and infants compared to older children (OR 9.00 [CI 4.75-17.07], p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

RSB combined with AChE staining is a simple, safe and accurate method for the diagnosis of HD. The risk for RSB-related complications is higher in newborns and infants.