Update on narrow band imaging in disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

With the ever-increasing concern regarding morbidity and mortality associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the importance of an effective and efficient diagnostic tool cannot be overstated. The standard of care currently is an examination using conventional white light endoscopy. This approach may occasionally overlook areas exhibiting a premalignant change. Numerous image-enhanced modalities have been recently introduced. Narrow band imaging (NBI) appears to be the most prominent of these and perhaps the most commonly used. The present review will focus on some of the newer studies on NBI and its utility in the diagnosis of malignant, pre-malignant and chronic inflammatory conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract.