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The symptomatic post-surgical stomach--an endoscopic review
Gerontology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Endoscopic evaluation is useful for elderly patients with symptoms after gastric surgery, especially for diagnosing dyspepsia and bleeding. However, the study suggests routine repeat endoscopies are not typically necessary for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Previous gastric surgery can lead to persistent or new gastrointestinal symptoms in elderly patients.
- Diagnostic challenges often arise in this population due to altered anatomy and potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of endoscopy in elderly patients with symptoms post-gastric surgery.
- To assess the yield of positive findings and the incidence of gastric carcinoma in this specific patient group.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 100 consecutive endoscopic procedures.
- Analysis of patient referrals for symptoms following prior gastric surgery.
- Correlation of endoscopic findings with presenting symptoms.
Main Results:
- 57% of endoscopies revealed positive findings.
- The procedure was highly effective in diagnosing dyspepsia and upper gastro-intestinal bleeding.
- The incidence of gastric carcinoma detected was low.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopy provides valuable diagnostic information for symptomatic elderly patients after gastric surgery.
- Routine, repeated endoscopic examinations are not generally supported by these findings in this population.