K K Y Yoong1, T Heymann. 1. Department of Gastroenterology, Kingston Hospital NHS Trust, Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7QB, UK. k_y_yoong@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of colonoscopy in patients aged at least 85 years. Does the ideal of an ageism free service apply? DESIGN: A retrospective audit. SETTING: Department of gastroenterology that carries out about 1000 colonoscopies annually in a district general hospital serving a population of about 320 000. SUBJECTS: All patients aged at least 85 years who underwent colonoscopy over five years to 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The indications for colonoscopy and its findings. The outcome of patients found to have colonic cancers. RESULTS: Colonoscopy was completed in 219 cases (69%). The main reasons for failure were poor bowel preparation and severe diverticular disease. Normal findings occurred in 65 (30%) of the 219 cases that had had a complete examination. Colonoscopy identified a problem that explained the patient's symptoms in 116 (37%) cases. Polyps were found in 45 (14.2%) cases and malignancy in 28 (8.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of significant complications and comparatively high yield of colonic malignancies and polyps reinforces the value of colonoscopy as a diagnostic tool even after 85 years of age and despite the technical challenges of the procedure in this age group that limited completion. Increasing age alone should not preclude a patient from colonoscopy.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of colonoscopy in patients aged at least 85 years. Does the ideal of an ageism free service apply? DESIGN: A retrospective audit. SETTING: Department of gastroenterology that carries out about 1000 colonoscopies annually in a district general hospital serving a population of about 320 000. SUBJECTS: All patients aged at least 85 years who underwent colonoscopy over five years to 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The indications for colonoscopy and its findings. The outcome of patients found to have colonic cancers. RESULTS: Colonoscopy was completed in 219 cases (69%). The main reasons for failure were poor bowel preparation and severe diverticular disease. Normal findings occurred in 65 (30%) of the 219 cases that had had a complete examination. Colonoscopy identified a problem that explained the patient's symptoms in 116 (37%) cases. Polyps were found in 45 (14.2%) cases and malignancy in 28 (8.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of significant complications and comparatively high yield of colonic malignancies and polyps reinforces the value of colonoscopy as a diagnostic tool even after 85 years of age and despite the technical challenges of the procedure in this age group that limited completion. Increasing age alone should not preclude a patient from colonoscopy.
Authors: Esther K Wei; Edward Giovannucci; Kana Wu; Bernard Rosner; Charles S Fuchs; Walter C Willett; Graham A Colditz Journal: Int J Cancer Date: 2004-01-20 Impact factor: 7.396
Authors: Elisabeth Lippert; Hans H Herfarth; Nicole Grunert; Esther Endlicher; Frank Klebl Journal: Int J Colorectal Dis Date: 2014-12-12 Impact factor: 2.571