Enhanced endoscopic imaging and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and GERD-related symptoms are common, and affect 25% to 30% of the general population. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy of the esophagus has been the most widely used modality for the diagnosis and grading of reflux disease. Endoscopic imaging today has evolved beyond the confines of routine white light endoscopy (WLE) to advanced optical imaging with a precise and real time endoscopic diagnosis. These technological advances have helped circumvent the limitation of WLE in reflux disease by a) improved detection of subtle irregularities, b) characterization of anomalies, and c) possible optical biopsies providing real-time diagnosis. This review attempts to define the current status of these newer technologies vis-a-vis the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.