What are biopsy forceps used for in endoscopy?

Biopsy forceps are commonly used in endoscopy to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. 

Some key uses of biopsy forceps in endoscopy include:

- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Taking small tissue samples from abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum to test for diseases like cancer, celiac disease, gastritis, ulcers, etc.

- Colonoscopy: Removing polyp samples or taking biopsies of abnormal tissue in the colon to test for conditions like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, etc.

- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Obtaining bile duct or pancreatic duct samples to identify causes of obstruction like stones or tumors.

- Bronchoscopy: Sampling abnormal lesions in the airways to test for infections, cancer, inhalational injuries, etc. 

- Cystoscopy: Biopsy of the bladder wall and urethra to evaluate cancers, ulcers, and inflammation.

- Laparoscopy: Taking targeted biopsy samples from organs like the liver, ovaries, and lymph nodes inside the abdomen using biopsy forceps inserted through small incisions.

- The cups of the biopsy forceps grasp and shear off a small piece of tissue. The forceps are passed through the working channel and guided to the target site.

- Proper tissue sampling aids diagnosis and guides treatment decisions for many gastrointestinal, pulmonary, or urological conditions.