Foreign bodies swallowed by children can pose serious health risks if not handled properly. This article sheds light on common mistakes made during such emergencies and provides guidance on how to avoid them. In just a 15-minute read, you can be better prepared to address this critical situation.

Long-term enteral nutrition via gastrostomy is a relatively common medical intervention for patients at risk of malnutrition who have an accessible and functioning gastrointestinal tract. There are clear clinical guidelines describing the principles of practice as well as numerous retrospective and non-randomised controlled studies and case series. However, fewer publications impart advice and guidance regarding the management and ‘patient selection’ for these interventions. The following article provides a combination of the author’s views and the evidence base.

Indications include stenosis (oesophageal and colonic) and gastric outlet obstruction

Microscopic colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to chronic, watery diarrhoea. First believed to be rare, microscopic colitis has received more attention in recent decades, resulting in increasing incidence rates that exceed those of classic IBD in some countries. Hopefully, it is common practice nowadays to refer patients with chronic diarrhoea for a colonoscopy with biopsy samples taken, as this is the only way to diagnose microscopic colitis. Histology results distinguish between the subtypes of microscopic colitis — lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis and the more recently introduced incomplete microscopic colitis.

Tissue sampling during endoscopic procedures is a fundamental aspect of investigating digestive diseases, with histological examination playing a crucial role in almost every case. Given its prevalence, the potential for mistakes is significant. Therefore, understanding the appropriate indications, techniques, and consequences of tissue sampling is essential for gastroenterologists. Key questions to consider before taking a biopsy or acquiring tissue include: Why? What for? How? How many?

This manuscript addresses these critical questions by detailing the eight most frequent and correctable mistakes in tissue acquisition during endoscopy. The recommendations provided are largely supported by existing guidelines and evidence, with some insights drawn from the authors' professional experience.