One of the methods that complement endoscopy is chromoscopy. The use of vital dyes increases the resolution of conventional examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. This allows at an early stage to identify inflammatory-degenerative changes, precancerous conditions and oncology.
What is a chromoscope?
This is a procedure when various colorants are introduced into the digestive system. After this, using special equipment is evaluated mucous, if necessary, a biopsy is taken. This technique is called the method of staining the epithelium.
Today, the procedure is recognized as an integral part of endoscopy. The list of used dyes has also expanded. This reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions.
Chromoscopy enables:
- to establish the smallest mucosal lesions,
- to clarify their extent,
- to determine the boundaries and structural features.
Depending on the problem, different dyes are used:
- Absorbent. Suitable for penetration into necrotic tissues.
- Reactive. React with epithelia or a secret.
- Contrasting. Looking for ongoing changes.
What diseases can be identified?
With the help of chromoscopy almost all diseases are revealed.
The staining method allows to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, adenocarcinoma. These diseases are often overlooked during routine research.
The advantage of technology is the ability to identify the earliest stages of cancer, which, because of the asymptomatic course, go unnoticed. Therefore, it must be prescribed to persons suffering from pernicious anemia or cancer of other organs.
If a patient has mucosal burns, then the chromoscopy reveals the stage of healing and the good quality of the processes occurring at the site of tissue regeneration. If the healing is slow, then the boundaries and prevalence of the inflammatory process are determined.
Indications and contraindications
Doctors recommend conducting chromoscopy for all citizens over 40 years of age when undergoing follow-up. Indication is also the presence of gastrointestinal diseases prone to oncology:
- atrophic gastritis,
- polyps,
- signs of Barrett's esophagus,
- chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Crohn's disease,
- ulcerative colitis.
Not all methods are relevant. It can not be used for extensive lesions of the digestive system.
If there are allergic reactions to dyes, they are replaced with others or the procedure is canceled. The doctor refuses to carry out chromoscopy if the intestine or stomach is not empty.
How does the procedure work?
A solution of Lugol and methylene blue is indicated for the detection of small inflammatory sites and the initial stages of cancer. These substances are also used for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant formations. With atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, indigocarmine is used.
For the chromoscopy, a special dye is sprayed through the catheter in two ways:
- Straight. The catheter is inserted into the gastroscope channel or through the instrumental channel. The substance is sprayed aiming or totally. In this case, it is possible to obtain false-positive results, since not only the tissue being examined is stained, but also of other organs.
- Indirect. The dye is administered intravascularly. The dye enters the lumen of the organ. For this, the substance is drunk or injected through a probe.
Spraying in the esophagus or large intestine is performed when the instrument is directed to the mucosa by rotational movements with simultaneous dyeing. Before the procedure, drugs that reduce peristalsis and secretion are used. Sometimes additional training is required with good organ cleansing.
Depending on the preparation used, flat, depressed formations, foci of intestinal metaplasia are revealed.
If pathology is detected, mucosal cells are taken for further histological examination.
Some drugs may have urine, but this is a temporary phenomenon. Sometimes there is a burning sensation that quickly passes.
Compared with other techniques, chromoscopy is available for most clinics. It reduces the number of errors.
Video of stomach chromoscopy: