Can Narrowband Imaging Improve the Laparoscopic Identification of Superficial Endometriosis? A Prospective Cohort...

To assess the usefulness of narrowband imaging (NBI) to detect additional areas of endometriosis not identified by standard white light in patients undergoing laparoscopy for the investigation of pelvic pain.

A prospective cohort trial (Canadian Task Force classification II). Evidence obtained from a well-designed cohort study.

A tertiary laparoscopic subspecialty unit in Melbourne, Australia.

Fifty-seven patients undergoing laparoscopy for the investigation of pelvic pain were recruited. Fifty-three patients were eligible for analysis.

Patients underwent standard white-light laparoscopy of the pelvis followed by NBI survey to assess for any additional areas suspicious for endometriosis.

All identified areas of possible endometriosis were resected and sent for blinded histopathological analysis. The additional predictive value of NBI was 0% if the preceding white-light survey was negative and 86% if the preceding white-light survey was positive.

The use of NBI at laparoscopy for the investigation of pelvic pain is beneficial in finding additional areas of endometriosis if endometriosis is already suspected after white-light survey in a tertiary laparoscopic unit. Further research in nonspecialized units may show additional benefit and requires further research. NBI may also be useful as a diagnostic aid for trainees.