RESUMO
The Lugol dye spraying method in endoscopy is compared with the usual endoscopy. Its diagnostic values are discussed from the endoscopical and histological point of views. Normal esophageal epithelium is stained brown or dark brown with 5% of Lugol's solution, and shows a "silk-crape" like surface appearance when observed close up. The cancerous or inflammatory epithelium of the stomach and esophagus do not stain. With the sue of directed biopsy this reveals the usefulness of this method, specially for finding small esophagel cancer and for accurately delineating the extent of a cancer. Furthermore, esophagitis is easier to diagnose. As healing occurs, the staining characteristic return. Esophageal epithelium capacity for staining with Lugol's solution seems to be related to the glycogen content of the squamous epithelium.