Colonoscopy in octogenarians and older patients.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-1-2001
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Colonoscopy in the elderly has been considered by many to be risky because of mechanical bowel preparation and dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, conscious sedation, and hypoxic complications. We hypothesized that colonoscopy in octogenarians and older patients is a safe procedure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 803 patients who underwent colonoscopy from January 1997 to October 1997 was performed. The patients were grouped by age: group A (17-49 years) had 166 patients (20%); group B (50-79 years) had 534 patients (67%); and group C (80 years and older) had 103 patients (13%). Results were considered significant at p value less than 0.05 unless otherwise noted.
RESULTS: Blood in the stool (84%) and history of colonic vascular disease (5.8%) were the most common indication in group C (84%). Colonoscopy was used in group A (18%) more often than in the other groups to rule out inflammatory bowel disease. History of colon polyps was a more common indication in group B (20%) than in the other groups. Group A had a significantly higher incidence of normal examinations (84%) and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (14%). Group B had a higher incidence of polyps than the other groups. Group C had the highest incidence of vascular disease (15%). Diverticular disease and carcinoma were more common in groups B (37%) and C (52%). The amount of sedation in the groups did not significantly differ. Completion of the colonoscopy to the cecum or anastomotic sites did not differ among the groups (p > 0.05), nor did complication rates among groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy is safe in octogenarians and older patients. Age does not, by itself, confer an increased risk to the procedure.
Volume
15
Issue
3
First Page
262
Last Page
265
ISSN
1432-2218
Published In/Presented At
Lagares-Garcia, J. A., Kurek, S., Collier, B., Diaz, F., Schilli, R., Richey, J., & Moore, R. A. (2001). Colonoscopy in octogenarians and older patients. Surgical endoscopy, 15(3), 262–265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004640000339
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
11344425
Department(s)
Department of Surgery
Document Type
Article