Immediate unprepared polyethylene glycol-flush colonoscopy in elderly patients with severe lower gastrointestinal...

Colon preparation is vital yet more difficult in elderly patients with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). The aim of this study is to show the efficacy, safety and outcomes of unprepared polyethylene glycol (PEG)-flush retrograde colon cleansing in the diagnosis and treatment of elderly home care patients with LGIB.

A single-center study was performed between January 2014 and June 2018. Elderly home healthcare patients presenting with hematochezia were enrolled, and an unprepared retrograde bowel cleansing colonoscopy was performed within the first 8 h after admission to the emergency department. PEG solution (2 L) was added to the water jet tank, and jet pump injection was started from the left side of the colon to the right segment of the colon and ended up at the cecum.

In total, 33 elderly patients presenting with hematochezia were evaluated. Mean inward and outward procedure times were 17.06 ± 4.92 (8-33 min) and 28.66 ± 6.88 (10-30 min), respectively. Most of the bleeding was localized in the right colon at 22 patients (66.3%). Endoscopic treatment was performed in 87.9% of patients. The average length of stay in hospital was 44.70 ± 42.81 (range 18.00-240.00 h).

Immediate unprepared PEG-flush colonoscopy in elderly home care patients with acute LGIB is a safe and effective method, which detects bleeding sources and provides endoscopic therapy. With this procedure, the time of hospital stay is reduced. This approach may be used for the initial intervention in patients admitted to emergency departments or intensive care unit with severe acute LGIB. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.