Confocal endomicroscopy

Abstract

Confocal endomicroscopy permits microscopic imaging during ongoing endoscopy at high resolution. Subsurface histological tissue analysis is achieved in real time. This review explains the technological background of confocal endomicroscopy and summarises current applications in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Excellent results have been shown for the prediction of intraepithelial neoplasia in Barrett's oesophagus, in ulcerative colitis and in screening colonoscopy in randomized controlled studies. Potential future applications will include immuno-targeting for molecular in vivo imaging. © 2008 Rila Publications Ltd.