EUS and ERCP complication rates are not increased in elderly patients

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Endoscopic Procedures

Background:

• Advanced endoscopic procedures are increasingly utilized in elderly patients.
• Safety data for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in this demographic require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and complication rates of ERCP and EUS in elderly patients (≥75 years) compared to a nonelderly cohort (<75 years).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 1,000 patients undergoing ERCP or EUS.
• Patients were stratified into elderly (≥75 years) and nonelderly (<75 years) cohorts.
• Data collected included demographics, procedure type, medications, interventions, and complications within one month post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Overall complication rates for ERCP and EUS were similar between elderly (7.6%) and nonelderly (7.6%) cohorts.
• Elderly patients experienced a higher rate of bleeding (P=0.016) but required significantly lower sedation doses (P<0.001).
• Specific complication rates for ERCP and EUS did not differ significantly between the age groups.

Conclusions:

• Advanced age is not a contraindication for ERCP and EUS.
• Elderly patients undergoing these procedures face similar overall risks but a higher bleeding risk.
• Reduced sedation is needed for elderly patients undergoing advanced endoscopic procedures.