Are Multiple Biopsies For Colitis Safe?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jan 2016

Question: MY son has colitis, had it for years. He's 38 and recently had another colonoscopy. The doctor said he,s going to do forty biopsies - that seems excessive to me. Should we be worried?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Concerned but not worried!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this bout of colitis and all the inconveniences the many biopsies might have caused you. I will say you should be concerned about what is possibly going on that requires forty biopsies but you should not be worried at this stage. It is better for many samples as possible to be obtained such that there is no lingering doubts that a suspicious lesion or area was not biopsied. Biopsies are very tiny samples taken for examination and should therefore not be a major concern. Forty may sound a lot but it is nothing beyond forty tiny pinches the doctor is going to carry out.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)

What kind of diet should he be on; What foods and drinks are best?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fibers and low in fats.Plain water is best

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fibers and low in fats is ideal for him. Also, he should preferred pure water to every other type of drink. These would be most helpful. As we gather more information form the colonoscopy and biopsies, more specific recommendations would be made.

I wish your son well. Keep me updated!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 minutes later)

What diet and/or supplements are best for him?What supplements (vitamins or minerals) should he be taking if he can't get fresh fruits or vegetables?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Multivitamins........Many types available!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I will recommend a daily multivitamin supplements. There are several types available over the counter. However, fresh fruits also help with good intestinal transit besides providing essential vitamins.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (13 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr Ditah.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your kind words. I wish your son well and keep me updated on the outcome of this.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar