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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy of the Urinary Tract: The Technique
Published on: January 10, 2013
Optical biopsy of bladder cancer using confocal laser endomicroscopy
Jie Wu1,2, Yu-Chen Wang1,2, Bo Dai1,2
1Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Objective:
Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an emerging endoscopic technique that can provide in vivo histopathologic information. It may improve the diagnostic criteria for benign and neoplastic lesions of the bladder. In this study, we reported our experience with utilizing CLE imaging when treating bladder neoplasms, and investigated its diagnostic value with respect to histologic diagnosis.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-one patients scheduled for diagnostic cystoscopy or transurethral resection of the bladder tumor were enrolled prospectively. CLE was performed after intravesical fluorescein administration and confocal video sequences were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Histopathology served as reference standard for comparison.
Results:
Confocal laser endomicroscopy-based classification combined with white light cystoscopy (WLC) images was consistent with histopathology in 17 cases (81.0%). Consensus with histopathological results was found in six cases (85.7%) for low-grade urothelial carcinoma and eight cases (80.0%) for high-grade urothelial carcinoma.
Conclusion:
Confocal laser endomicroscopy was proved to be a useful technique that could complement white light cystoscopy by providing real-time histopathological information of bladder lesions.
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