A comparison was performed on 27 samples of jejunal biopsy obtained by a suction biopsy capsule (from 19 patients), 53 samples were obtained with an —adultid biopsy forceps Olympus FB-24K, FB-25K (from 21 patients) and 30 samples obtained with a —paediatricih biopsy forceps Olympus FK-21 B (from 14 patients). Both the length and height of the samples was measured. Each sample was assessed for orientation on a slide, for damage and adequacy for histological investigation (more than 3 continuous villi/crypts). There was no significant difference in the length of the samples, however, the height of the samples obtained by the suction capsule was significantly smaller. A majority of all well-oriented samples (92%) were obtained by the suction capsule and a minority of well oriented samples by the paediatric biopsy forceps FK-21B (80%). The majority of damaged samples was taken by the forceps FB-21 K (60%) and the minority by suction capsule (33%). Adequate for histological investigation were most often samples taken by suction capsule (89%) and less often taken by the biopsy forceps FB-21 K (77%). All methods are suitable for the morphological diagnosis of malabsorption syndrome. More biopsy samples taken during an investigation and their better orientation on the slide are necessary to improve the results of endoscopic investigation.

        Key words: coeliac disease - suction biopsy - forceps biopsy