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Biliary and pancreatic disease in the elderly
1New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York.
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Biliary and pancreatic diseases, including gallstones and cancer, are common in older adults. While surgery is an option, newer endoscopic techniques offer less invasive treatments for these age-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) and malignancy are leading causes of biliary and pancreatic diseases in the elderly.
- Disease incidence rises with age, often presenting subtly, necessitating high clinical suspicion.
- Surgical interventions for these conditions carry higher risks in older patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges and advancements in managing pancreaticobiliary diseases in the elderly.
- To highlight the shift towards less invasive therapeutic options.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on geriatric pancreaticobiliary diseases.
- Analysis of surgical versus non-surgical management outcomes.
- Discussion of endoscopic techniques like sphincterotomy and endoprostheses.
Main Results:
- Pancreaticobiliary diseases are prevalent and increase with age in the elderly population.
- Surgical management in the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
- Nonsurgical endoscopic techniques have emerged as significant therapeutic advancements.
Conclusions:
- Early detection and a high index of suspicion are crucial for managing elderly patients with biliary and pancreatic diseases.
- While surgery remains vital in select cases, endoscopic interventions offer safer alternatives.
- Advancements in nonsurgical therapies improve outcomes for elderly patients with these complex conditions.