Trans-oral trans-sheath forceps biopsy for patients with severe esophageal obstruction under fluoroscopy

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of trans-oral trans-sheath forceps biopsy (TTFB) for patients with severe esophageal obstruction under fluoroscopy. From November 2016 to November 2019, 35 patients with level III or IV dysphagia and a Karnofsky score of less than 60 were enrolled to undergo TTFB and esophageal nutrition tube insertion or stenting simultaneously. Data on diagnostic performance, early complications, and radiation dose were collected, and Karnofsky scores before and after the procedures were compared. The technical success of TTFB was 100%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 92.3% (24/26), 77.8% (7/9), and 88.6% (31/35), respectively. Complications occurred in two cases (5.7%). The mean procedure duration and irradiation dose were 23.2 min and 7.2 mSv, respectively. The Karnofsky scores significantly increased after 2–4 weeks (t = 11.22, P < 0.0001). TTFB is a safe and effective method for patients with severe esophageal obstruction under fluoroscopy, especially in those who cannot undergo or refuse endoscopy.