| Theme |
NBI in colon and rectum |
| Title |
Improvements in visibility during NBI colonoscopy |
| Author |
Yasushi Sano |
Department of Gastointestinal Center, Sano Hospital / Department of GI Oncology & Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author |
Takahiro Horimatsu |
Department of GI Oncology & Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author |
Atsushi Katagiri |
Department of GI Oncology & Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author |
Hiroaki Ikematsu |
Department of GI Oncology & Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East |
| Author |
Kuang-I Fu |
Department of Radiology, Dokkyo Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
The Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) system is based on modifying spectral features by narrowing the bandwidth of spectral transmittance with optical filters. Since 1999, we have been developing our own NBI system with support from a Grant for Scientific Research Expenses for Health and Welfare Programs, Japan. NBI modification provides unique images, which emphasize capillary patterns, and surface structures. The NBI system has a special feature allowing otherwise invisible endoscopic findings to be visualized without a dye solution (high-contrast endoscopy).
Our pilot study found that, compared to normal observations, the clearer observation of capillary vessels in the network on the surface layer of the mucosa is possible using a NBI system. Therefore, recognizing lesions becomes easier since the permeable image of the vessels is interrupted. On the normal mucosa, a regular hexagonal or honeycomb-like pattern is found around the crypt of the gland. On the other hand, in neoplastic lesions, these vessels grow thicker and the disruption of the vessels, different diameter size of the vessels and an increase in vessel density can be found when abnormalies worsen. Since NBI filters may be adjusted to Hb absorption characteristics, a brownish area can be found if the observing area contains a large number of capillary vessels. Contrast enhancement of lesions made disruption of the normal vessel network in colonic lesions obvious and improved visualization. |