Magnifying pharmacoendoscopy: response of microvessels to epinephrine stimulation in differentiated early gastric cancers.

Background: Magnifying endoscopy is a promising modality for fine observation of minute surface structures and microvessel architecture in gastric lesions.

Objective: To observe the response of microvessels to epinephrine stimulation in early gastric cancer tissues and to assess the usefulness of magnifying pharmacoendoscopy for histologic diagnosis.

Design: This was a prospective pilot study.

[Recent view of gastro-esophageal reflux disease according to the guideline for gastric ulcer treatment].

The guideline for gastric ulcer treatment in Japan recommends eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) for the first choice. Recently, it is well known that some patients develop gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) after successful eradication.

Photodynamic therapy of superficial esophageal cancer with a transparent hood.

Background: To improve the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy, the further development of endoscopic devices is essential. For photodynamic therapy of superficial esophageal cancer, a transparent hood was used to obtain precise laser irradiation.

Methods: The transparent hood was attached to the tip of an upper endoscope.