Dysphagia in the elderly: what does it mean to the endoscopist?

The role of fibreoptic endoscopy in the investigation of dysphagia in an elderly population was investigated. Three hundred and sixty-five subjects were studied. Two hundred and sixty subjects had abnormalities with extra oesophageal disease accounting for symptoms in a substantial minority. Endoscopy was safe, offered the advantage of immediate therapy and was well tolerated. Sub-group analysis showed it to be preferable to radiological investigation in diagnosing both benign and malignant mucosal lesions.