Published online Dec 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i12.584
Revised: November 2, 2013
Accepted: November 15, 2013
Published online: December 16, 2013
Processing time: 120 Days and 23.4 Hours
Endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders. Chromoendoscopy has proven to be superior to white light endoscopy for early detection of various GI lesions. This has however been fraught with problems. The use of color stains, time taken to achieve an effect and the learning curve associated with the technique has been some of the pitfalls. Narrow band imaging (NBI) particularly in combination with magnifying endoscopy may allow the endoscopist to accomplish a fairly accurate diagnosis with good histological correlation similar to results achieved with chromoendoscopy. Such enhanced detection of pre-malignant and early neoplastic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract should allow better targeting of biopsies and could ultimately prove to be cost effective. Various studies have been done demonstrating the utility of this novel technology. This article will review the impact of NBI in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal tract disorders.
Core tip: Narrow band imaging with magnifying endoscopy has shown promising results in improving detection and characterization of gastrointestinal lesions. This may allow better targeting of biopsies, improved prediction of histology, appropriate treatment and better patient outcomes. Most studies have been conducted in expert centers and carried out only by one or a few observers. Large-scale prospective multi center randomized trials are needed to duplicate the results achieved in these institutions.