In flexible endoscopy, what is the primary use of biopsy forceps?

Biopsy forceps are designed specifically to remove small samples of tissue from the body during flexible endoscopy procedures. Their primary function is to grasp and cut a small amount of tissue from a targeted area, which can then be sent for histopathological examination. This process is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, infections, and inflammatory diseases. The design of biopsy forceps allows for precise localization and retrieval of tissue, enabling physicians to obtain samples with minimal trauma to the surrounding structures.

On the other hand, while holding tissue is a necessary part of the procedure, it is not the primary purpose of the forceps. Furthermore, the insertion of scopes is a function of the endoscope itself and not the biopsy forceps, which are used once the scope is in place. Injecting fluids is performed with different instruments designed for that purpose and is unrelated to the function of biopsy forceps. This specificity is what underscores the correct choice regarding the primary use of biopsy forceps in flexible endoscopy.