[Possibilities of virtual gastrointestinal endoscopy]

Beside the technological development of the modalities, secondary image-reconstruction procedures are of increasing interest for diagnostic purposes and preoperative planning. Recently the simulation of endoscopic views--so called virtual endoscopy--has become available for presenting volume datasets. This new technique, usually based on CT and MRT data-sets, leads to new possibilities for examination of gastrointestinal organs and vasculature. Most interest has focussed on colon examinations, depending on a detailed knowledge of the technical procedure of the examination and additional experience of endoscopic techniques of the examiner. The procedures for the different parts of the gastrointestinal tract are explained.