[Indications and value of gastrointestinal biopsy].

Concerning the stomach biopsy without optical control has only historical importance, concerning the small intestine it serves for the recognition of diffuse changes--particularly for the the differential diagnosis of the malabsorption and in the large intestine for the diagnosis and course control of inflammation. The aimed biopsy is a constituent of every endoscopy investigation, with the exception of completely normal or fully clear pathological findings. Without an aimed biopsy the diagnosis of the early cancer in ulcers, "polyps" and "ulcer scars" is not possible. Its gain depends on the number of biopsy particles; only the positive findings are proving.