Improving visualization techniques by narrow band imaging and magnification endoscopy

Abstract

Endoscopy plays an important role in the early detection of gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. Using conventional white light or dye-based image enhanced endoscopy, it has been difficult to assess pre-malignant and early neoplastic lesions precisely. However, narrow band imaging (NBI) dramatically improves the detection of these lesions, particularly in combination with magnifying endoscopy. This allows the endoscopist to accomplish accurate diagnosis. Such enhanced detection of pre-malignant and early neoplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract should allow better targeting of biopsy, improved and more appropriate treatment, and thereby contribute to optimal quality of life and patient survival.

Non-sequential narrow band imaging for targeted biopsy and monitoring of gastric intestinal metaplasia

“…However, most GI endoscopists worldwide have no access to this system and instead, they are more familiar with the non-sequential system. Many endoscopists are impressed with the difference in the contrast and the brightness of the nonsequential image compared with those images published in the literature using sequential NBI [13,19] . Studies of the feasibility of NBI to detect a minute abnormality in the GI tract mucosa have been widely published [10][11][12][16][17][18] .…”

The Usefulness of an Intra-Oropharyngeal U-turn Method using Trans-Nasal Endoscopy for Detecting Superficial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Base of the Tongue

“…The NBI system (Olympus Medical System Co., Tokyo, Japan) has been already proven to be a useful diagnostic tool for identifying superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck [4][5][6][19][20][21]. Trans-nasal endoscopy can usually be performed comfortably due to attenuation of the gag reflex [22]; indeed in Japan, trans-nasal endoscopy is a very common procedure and can be performed without sedation.…”

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

“…Chromoendoscopy with magnification endoscopy may further improve visualization of mucosal detail (Connor and Sharma 2004;Hurlstone and Fujii 2005;Tischendorf et al 2010). NBI uses optical filters for red-green-blue sequential illumination and narrows the bandwidth of spectral transmittance to enhance mucosal structures and capillaries, and may help in detecting neoplastic changes (Mannath et al 2010;Muto et al 2009). These various endoscopic techniques can help improve detection of dysplastic lesions and further delineate the margins of the lesion, and can lead to curative endoscopic resection of these lesions.…”