Safety of endoscopic ultrasonography in elderly patients: a single center prospective trial

The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the safety of both diagnostic and therapeutic endosonography (EUS) in geriatric population.

The study population, consisting of 222 patients who underwent endosonographic evaluation for different indications, was divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 165 patients, ≥ 65 years old; Group II consisted of 57 controls, <65 years old. The demographic information with clinical parameters, procedure medication used and complications was noted.

The median age of Group I was 72 years (range 65-93 years) vs. 46 years (range 26-64 years) for Group II. Female-to-male ratio was 82/83 in Group I, while 32/25 in Group II. Pulse rate (84 vs. 89 beats/min, p = 0.024) and basal oxygen saturation (94 vs. 97 %, p < 0.001) levels were lower in Group I when compared with the control group, while systolic blood pressure measurements (150 vs. 130 mmHg, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in Group I. No cases of procedure-related bleeding, perforation and mortality were observed in both groups.

Despite the well-known relative increased procedural risks, advanced age is not a contraindication for advanced endoscopic interventions. EUS can be regarded as a safe and effective procedure in ≥ 65 years old population.