The Efficacy and Safety of Performing Colonoscopy in Patients 80 Years of Age and Older

Lim, Yeun Jung; Kim, Young Ho; Chang, Dong Kyung; Son, Hee Jung; Rhee, Poong Lyul; Kim, Jae J; Rhee, Jong Chul

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.