Colonoscopy in octogenarians and older patients

Introduction: Colonoscopy in the elderly has been considered by many to be risky because of mechanical bowel preparation and dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, conscious sedation, and hypoxic complications. We hypothesize d that colonoscopy in octogenarians and older patients is a safe procedure. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of 803 patients who underwent colonoscopy from January 1997 to October 1997 was performed. The patients were grouped by age: group-A (17-49 years) had 166 patients (20%); group B (50-79 years) had 534 patients (67%); and group C (80 years: and older) had 103 patients (13%). Results were considered significant atp value less tha n 0.05 unless otherwise noted. Results. Blood in the stool (84%) and history of colonic vascular disease ( 5.8%) were the most common indication in group C (84%). Colonoscopy was use d in group A (18%) more often than in the other groups to rule out inflamma tory bowel disease. History of colon polyps was a more common indication in group B (20%) than in the other groups. Group A had a significantly higher incidence of normal examinations (84%) and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (14%). Group B had a higher incidence of polyps than the other gro ups. Group C had the highest incidence of vascular disease (15%). Diverticu lar disease and carcinoma were more common in groups B (37%) and C (52%). T he amount of sedation in the groups did not significantly differ. Completio n of the colonoscopy to the cecum or anastomotic sites did not differ among the groups (p > 0.05), nor did complication rates among groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Colonoscopy is safe in octogenarians and older patients. Age d oes not, by itself, confer an increased risk to the procedure.