Real-time histology in colonoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy had major technological improvements and novel technologies in recent years. High-definition endoscopy has permitted an increasingly detailed view of the mucosa during colonoscopy. Filter techniques that enhance analysis of vessel and surface structures. Autofluorescence imaging relies on functional imaging of tissue alterations. Endocytoscopy is an ultrahigh-contact microscopy procedure for cellular analysis of the epithelium. Endomicroscopy is an adaption of laser scanning microscopy for real-time intravital surface and subsurface microscopy during endoscopy. With these technologies, endoscopy has moved from prediction of histology based on morphologic patterns toward visualization of cellular and subcellular details, providing real-time histology.