A rapid procedure for small intestinal biopsy in infants and children.

A steerable small bowel biopsy apparatus was evaluated in 56 infants and children over a 15-mo period. A mean time of only 6 min was required to obtain small bowel biopsies. Biopsies were successfully obtained in 92% of patients on the first attempt; repeat attempts were successful in all cases. No complications were encountered. The steerable biopsy tube appears to be a safe and effective means of obtaining small bowel biopsies rapidly in infants and children.