Técnicas endoscópicas emergentes. La llegada de la histología virtual

In the last few years, multiple techniques have been developed that, using the properties of light, enable an instantaneous histologic diagnosis to be made while endoscopy is being performed. What has been called the «optical biopsy» allows highly exact information to be obtained, both from the morphological and functional point of view. Some of these techniques, such as chromoendoscopy and magnification, are already being performed in clinical practice while others are still under investigation. The aim of the present article is to review the underlying principles and applications of these emerging techniques.