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KMID : 0359020090380030128
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Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
2009 Volume.38 No. 3 p.128 ~ p.132
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The Efficacy and Safety of Performing Colonoscopy in Patients 80 Years
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Lim Yeun-Jung
Rhee Poong-Lyul
Kim Jae-Jun
Rhee Jong-Chul
Sohn Hee Jung
Chang Dong-Kyung
Kim Young-Ho
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Abstract
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Background/Aims: Optical colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for conducting a colorectal examination. Yet clinicians are often reluctant to refer elderly patients for colonoscopy because of their perception that it is a risky procedure. The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of performing colonoscopy in patients 80 years of age and older.
Methods: The study data was retrospectively collected from January 2000 to April 2007. Comparisons were made between two groups: The patients were classified based on age: 50~69 years and ≥80 years of age. We collected data on sedation, the total colonoscopy rates, the indication, the colonoscopic findings and the complications.
Results: Three hundred and forty-nine patients (170 elderly patients and 179 patients aged 50~69 years) were enrolled. Compared to the patients aged 50~69 years, the elderly patients had more clinically significant findings (55.9% for the elderly patient and 37.4% for the patients aged 50~80 years). Cecal intubation was done at a similar rate for both groups (94.7% and 96.6%, respectively). Although the elderly patients usually had one or more co-morbid illnesses (p＜0.001), the complication rate was not different between the 2 groups.
Conclusions: Colonoscopy in the elderly is safe and effective and it allows physicians to discover many significant findings.
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KEYWORD
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Colonoscopy, Elderly, Efficacy, Safety
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