Abstract
Background and Objectives:Endoscopic infrared image allows submucous blood vessels to be visualized. The present study was undertaken to examine whether or not infrared image would yield additional informations useful for the prevention of bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Materials and Methods:An experimental study was conducted to investigate the changes in color of blood on infrared images caused by the heat produced by highfrequency waves used for EMR. Furthermore, infrared endoscopic observation of mucosal defects, created by EMR, was performed in 10 patients following EMR of the stomach and 10 patients following EMR of the colon. Results:In the experimental study, the color of the blood-free heated area did not differ from the surrounding tissues on infrared images, while the heated area containing blood was shown in blue color on infrared images. ln the experimental study, the blue area in the mucosa l defect created by EMR was the part of blood vessels. Blue areas, different in color from the surrounding tissue, were visible in the periphery or ulcer floor of the mucosa-defective area on infrared images. Conclusions:These results suggested that endoscopic infrared image during EMR provides a useful means of identifying submucous blood vessels and vascular stumps which are likely to cause bleeding after EMR.
