Ongoing studies might prove that NBI provides an electronic (and filter based) alternative to chromoendoscopy. This can aid the endoscopist in differentiation among benign, premalignant and malignant mucosal patterns.
More reliable diagnosis in gastroenterology
NBI in routine endoscopy is recommended for lesion detection, the determination of excision areas prior to treatment and the follow-up after surgery to check the healing process. In addition, NBI is helpful for the judgement of vessel in-growth / injuries.
Early detection of endometriosis in gynaecology
In gynaecology this might enable a detection of early-stage endometriosis. With NBI, around 30% more lesions could be labelled as endometriosis, compared to the diagnosis under “normal” white light.
For the detection of pharyngeal carcinoma in situ in Laryngoscopy
During a Japanese study in 2005, patients with esophageal cancer underwent endoscopic screening of the oropharynx and hypopharynx with NBI. Four of six superficial lesions could hardly be recognised under “normal” white light because of its small diameter (less than 5mm). But with NBI, all six lesions were visible. Therefore NBI may also play an important role in the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
