What type of intestinal biopsy is full thickness, larger samples, can biopsy any part of the intestinal tract; invasive, increased complications, contraindicated with severe hypoproteinemia; can be performed by a general practitioner?

• A. Endoscopic
• B. Surgical
• C. Percutaneous
• D. Laparoscopic

Answer: (B)

When diagnosing intestinal problems, the depth of tissue sampled and the size of the biopsy matter a lot. A full-thickness, or transmural, biopsy collects all layers of the intestinal wall, so you can evaluate disease that involves beyond the mucosa and you can sample any part of the tract. That level of tissue requires an invasive approach, which explains the larger samples and the higher risk of complications like bleeding or infection. Because it’s invasive, it’s also contraindicated in patients with severe hypoproteinemia, since poor protein status impairs healing and increases the risk of wound complications. In some settings, a general practitioner with appropriate surgical training can perform this biopsy, but usually it’s done in a surgical setting. This combination of depth, sample size, and ability to biopsy any segment, with the associated invasiveness and higher complication risk, is what makes surgical biopsy the correct choice.