The Efficacy and Safety of Performing Colonoscopy in Patients 80 Years of Age and Older.
- Author:
Yeun Jung LIM
1
;
Young Ho KIM
;
Dong Kyung CHANG
;
Hee Jung SON
;
Poong Lyul RHEE
;
Jae J KIM
;
Jong Chul RHEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yhgi.kim@samsung.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Colonoscopy;
Elderly;
Efficacy;
Safety
- MeSH:
Aged;
Colonoscopy;
Humans;
Intubation;
Retrospective Studies
- From:Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
2009;38(3):128-132
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Optical colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for conducting a colorectal examination. Yet clinicians are often reluctant to refer elderly patients for colonoscopy because of their perception that it is a risky procedure. The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of performing colonoscopy in patients 80 years of age and older. METHODS: The study data was retrospectively collected from January 2000 to April 2007. Comparisons were made between two groups: The patients were classified based on age: 50~69 years and > or =80 years of age. We collected data on sedation, the total colonoscopy rates, the indication, the colonoscopic findings and the complications. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-nine patients (170 elderly patients and 179 patients aged 50~69 years) were enrolled. Compared to the patients aged 50~69 years, the elderly patients had more clinically significant findings (55.9% for the elderly patient and 37.4% for the patients aged 50~80 years). Cecal intubation was done at a similar rate for both groups (94.7% and 96.6%, respectively). Although the elderly patients usually had one or more co-morbid illnesses (p<0.001), the complication rate was not different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy in the elderly is safe and effective and it allows physicians to discover many significant findings.
