Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy of the Urinary Tract: The Technique
Published on: January 10, 2013
[Utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) for visualization of urothelial diseases of the urinary bladder]
D Daniltchenko1, F König, E Lankenau
1Urologische Klinik der Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstrasse 20-21, 10117 Berlin. dmitri.daniltchenko@charite.de
Purpose:
The technique of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has significantly improved over the last few years. This new diagnostic procedure allows imaging of tissue structure of the bladder wall during cystoscopy with high resolution.
Materials And Methods:
The penetration depth of OCT is limited to 2.5 mm. The resolution is approximately 15 microm. Fifty patients with different clinical conditions of the bladder were examined. Altogether 488 OCT images were generated.
Results:
OCT of normal bladder mucosa clearly shows a differentiation between urothelium, lamina propria, and smooth muscle. Cystitis and metaplasia are characterized by blurring of the laminated structure and thickening of the epithelial layer. In malignant areas there is complete loss of the regular layered tissue structure.
Conclusion:
OCT improves the diagnosis of flat lesions of the urothelium. It has the potential for facilitating intraoperative staging of malignant areas in the bladder.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

