A Novel Method of Virtual Histopathology Using Laser-Scanning Confocal Microscopy In-Vitro with Untreated Fresh Specimens from the Gastrointestinal Mucosa

Abstract

This novel method enables us to obtain an immediate serial virtual microscopic section through a fresh specimen, which has not actually been cut, although the resolution of the image obtained is still limited. These early results encourage us to develop imaging relevant to conventional histopathology alongside the development of LCM technology in the near future. We should aim at the in vivo application of LCM coupled to probes which can be introduced through the working channel of endoscopes.