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Small bowel capsule endoscopy performance in octogenarians: a case-control study.
Carlo M Girelli1, Stefania Maiero, Paola Porta
1First Division of Internal Medicine, Service of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Hospital of Busto Arsizio, Busto Arsizio, Italy. cargirel@vodafone.it
Summary
Capsule endoscopy is feasible in octogenarians, despite higher rates of capsule failure. The diagnostic yield for small bowel disorders remains high in this elderly population, revealing more inflammatory and neoplastic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Capsule endoscopy is a sensitive tool for diagnosing small bowel disorders.
- Its efficacy and safety in octogenarians (patients aged 80 and above) are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in octogenarians.
- To compare outcomes in octogenarians with a younger control group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of capsule endoscopy records from 827 patients.
- Group A: 79 patients aged ≥ 80 years.
- Group B: 188 patients < 80 years, compared to Group A.
Main Results:
- Small bowel visualization was lower in octogenarians (74.6%) compared to younger patients (89%), primarily due to capsule failure.
- Adverse event rates and diagnostic yield were similar between groups.
- Inflammatory and neoplastic lesions were more frequent in octogenarians.
Conclusions:
- Capsule endoscopy in octogenarians can be challenging due to capsule retention.
- Despite technical difficulties, capsule endoscopy provides a high diagnostic yield in this age group.
- The incidence of significant lesions, including inflammatory and neoplastic conditions, is notably higher in octogenarians.
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