A paediatric tube and capsule for suction biopsy of the small intestinal mucosa designed for direct nasogastric intubation.

The use of a modified paediatric tube and capsule for suction biopsy of the mucosa of the small intestine is discussed. The tube is small in diameter and can be introduced through the nose without local trauma and with minimal discomfort. The intubation technique was followed in 72 instances to obtain suction biopsies from the proximal mucosa of the small intestine in protein-calorie malnourished children, and the results obtained with this instrument are also presented.