A Comparison of Single Bite and Double Bite Biopsy Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Endoscopic biopsies may be taken as single or double bite. In the former method intubation time may be proportionately prolonged depending upon the number of biopsies. In contrast to this, in the latter approach, although, a greater number of biopsies may be taken per unit time, equally, it may have effect on the quality of the biopsy specimen. This is because there is a perception that taking biopsies in such a manner may lead to crush artifacts and difficulty with orientation of the specimens. This, as a result, may pose diagnostic challenge to the histopathologist. A literature search was performed, and 11 studies, examining the histological quality of biopsies taken by these techniques, were identified. There were conflicting results. This is because there are considerable differences in the methodology, study power and interpretation of these studies. A holistic study is needed, which is clinically relevant, minimises selection bias and has sufficient power to clarify conflicting issues.