Comparison of three different image enhancement systems for detection of laryngeal lesions

Abstract

Objective Image enhancement systems are important diagnostic tools in the detection of laryngeal pathologies. This study aimed to compare three different image enhancement systems: professional image enhancement technology, Image1 S and narrow-band imaging. Method Using the three systems, 100 patients with laryngeal lesions were investigated using a flexible and a 30° rigid endoscope. The lesions were diagnosed by three experts and classified using the Ni classification. The findings were compared. Results Lesions classified as ‘benign’ were histopathologically confirmed in 50 per cent of patients, malignant lesions were confirmed in 41 per cent and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were confirmed in 9 per cent. There was no significant difference between the experts’ assessments of each image enhancement system. Conclusion The three systems give comparable results in the detection of laryngeal lesions. With two additional systems, more users can perform image-enhanced endoscopy, resulting in a broadly available tool that can help to improve oncological assessment.