Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) Against Lugol for Squamous Esophageal Cancer

Endoscopic Surveillance Comparing Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) Against Lugol Chromoendoscopy for Detection of Synchronous Superficial Squamous Esophageal Neoplasia Among High Risk Patients

This study aimed to compare Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) against Lugol chromoendoscopy for diagnosis of early esophageal cancers among high risk patients.

The investigators recruited consecutive patients with head and neck cancers, history of squamous esophageal cancers treated by chemoradiotherapy or endoscopic resection. Endoscopic surveillance first started with NBI for detection and characterization of early esophageal cancers through observation of abnormal intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCL). Superficial esophageal neoplasia were diagnosed by IPCL Type IV, V1,V2 and Vn. Lugol chromoendoscopy would be performed subsequently and suspicious neoplasia were classified as understain or unstain lesions. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of NBI were compared to Lugol chromoendoscopy with histology serving as a gold standard.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
2. Patients with esophageal cancer treated by chemoradiotherapy and in remission for 2 years
3. Patients with esophageal cancer treated by endoscopic resection
4. Age 18 to 80

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Allergy to Lugol iodine
2. Pregnancy
3. Previous esophagectomy