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Colonoscopy in the elderly: a study of 200 cases
P Chatrenet1, P Friocourt, J P Ramain
1Centre Hospitalier, Blois, France.
The European Journal of Medicine
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Colonoscopy in elderly patients (over 80) showed good diagnostic yield, especially for anemia indications. Analgesia improved tolerance, though bowel preparation was often challenging.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Endoscopy
Background:
- Colonoscopy is a crucial diagnostic tool for lower gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Elderly patients present unique challenges regarding tolerance and safety of endoscopic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tolerance and diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in patients over 80 years old.
- To identify factors influencing the success and safety of colonoscopy in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 200 colonoscopies in patients >80 years old.
- Evaluation of preparation quality, analgesia use, procedure tolerance, and diagnostic findings.
- Analysis of indications, lesion detection rates, and therapeutic consequences.
Main Results:
- Colonoscopy was performed in 200 patients (mean age 83.5).
- Indications included anemia (81), change in bowel habits (58), and rectal bleeding (26).
- Caecal intubation was achieved in 83.5% of cases. Diagnostic yield was 40%, higher for anemia (52%).
- Lesions found: polyps (40), diverticulosis (41), cancers (29).
- Tolerance was better with analgesia (p < 0.001). Bowel preparation was difficult in 25% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Colonoscopy is feasible and offers a good diagnostic yield in selected elderly patients (>80).
- Analgesia significantly improves procedure tolerance.
- Difficult bowel preparation remains a challenge; further studies aim to optimize colonoscopy outcomes in the elderly.