Comparison of blue laser imaging and light-emitting diode-blue light imaging for the characterization of colorectal polyps using the Japan narrow-band imaging expert team classification: The LASEREO and ELUXEO COLonoscopic study

ObjectivesAlthough the laser light is optically ideal for producing narrow-band light, it has not been used in some areas of the world. Endoscopic light sources using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare blue laser imaging (laser-BLI) and LED-blue light imaging (LED-BLI) for the characterization of colorectal polyps using the Japan narrow band imaging expert team (JNET) classification. MethodsColorectal lesions were prospectively examined using magnifying narrow-band light generated by a laser (laser-BLI) or LEDs (LED-BLI). Twelve endoscopists (six non-experts and six experts from three institutions) evaluated each still-magnified image of lesions using the JNET classification. ResultsSeven hundred and fifty-six images from 63 lesions were reviewed. The mean polyp size was 24.5 13.4 mm. Histopathology included 13 serrated lesions and 50 neoplasms. The rate of agreement between laser-BLI and LED-BLI using the JNET classification was 92.5% (699/756). The weighted kappa-statistic was 0.99. The percentages of '' almost similar '' comparing scores of surface patterns, vessel patterns, and brightness among all endoscopists were 95.4%, 95.9%, and 95.0%, respectively. ConclusionsThis multicenter study demonstrates that the rate of agreement between laser-BLI and LED-BLI using the JNET Classification is very high. The surface patterns, vessel patterns, and brightness are almost similar.