Abstract
In today's fast-paced world of instant messaging, high-speed Internet, and cell phones, patients want results of procedures in the same high-speed fashion. The development of the new technique of confocal laser endomicroscopy and the restructuring of the endoscope may enable quick procedure results to be delivered. First used in Germany and Australia for research and now available for clinical use, confocal laser endomicroscopy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing and clinical use in the United States. This article provides the gastroenterology nurse with information about how the confocal laser endomicroscope works, assisting with the procedure, and pre- and postprocedure patient instructions.