OBJECTIVE:
this study aims to compare colonoscopy results in patients aged 50-79 and those aged 80 and older.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
a total of 533 diagnostic colonoscopies performed from August 2011 to January 2012 were evaluated in a prospective study analyzing age, ASA classification, comorbidities, endoscopic findings, time to reach the cecum, number of complete examinations, difficulties and complications. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data whereas Student's t test to compare means. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS:
479 patients were in Group A - age 50 to 79, whereas 54 were in Group B, 80 versus older. The following results are shown for Group A and B, respectively: age 63 ± 8 versus 84 ± 4 years. ASA 1 difficult examination: 58 (21 %) versus 12 (27%) p > 0.05, ASA > 2 difficult examination: 41 (20%) versus 6 (60%) p < 0,05. Comorbidities 255 (53%) versus 36 (66%) p > 0.05. Complete colonoscopy in 450 (94%) versus 45 (83%), p < 0.01. Difficulties in 99 (20%) versus 32 (40%), p < 0.01. Complications in 1 (0.2%) versus 3 (5%) p < 0.01. Diverticulitis/ sequelae in 3 (0.6%) versus 3 (5%) p < 0.01. CRC in 42 (8.7%) and 10 (18.5%), p < 0.05. Adenoma in 130 (27 %) versus 15 (27%), p > 0.05 Time to reach the cecum was 39 ± 10 minutes for difficult procedures and 13 ± 9 for the easy ones.
CONCLUSION:
age 80 and older is associated with more adverse events during colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy; Risks; Complications; Older age; Elderly