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ERCP in the very elderly: outcomes among patients older than eighty
Frank J Lukens1, Douglas A Howell, Sunil Upender
1Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, UT Houston Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Frank.J.Lukens@uth.tmc.edu
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|April 2, 2009
Summary
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly patients over 80 shows high success rates and fewer complications than in younger patients. This vital procedure is safe and effective for the aging population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Endoscopy
Background:
- Increasing life expectancy drives demand for procedures like ERCP in the elderly.
- Limited data exists on ERCP outcomes, especially complex cases, in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the success and complication rates of ERCP in patients aged 80 and older versus younger patients.
- To evaluate the impact of age and procedure complexity on ERCP outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a large endoscopic database.
- Inclusion of 2,606 patients (728 octogenarians) undergoing 3,924 ERCPs.
- Assessment of 30-day complications, procedure difficulty, and patient age.
Main Results:
- Octogenarians had a slightly lower success rate (96.9% vs. 98.3%, P = 0.004).
- Overall complication rates were significantly lower in octogenarians (1.64% vs. 3.50%, P = 0.006).
- Elderly patients had similar risks of bleeding/perforation but lower pancreatitis risk.
Conclusions:
- ERCP in the elderly is highly successful with low complication rates.
- Procedure complexity increases failure and complication rates across all age groups.
- ERCP is a safe and effective option for managing biliary and pancreatic conditions in older adults.
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