| Theme | Colonoscopy for the super-elderly | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Safety of colonoscopy in elderly patients | |
| Publish Date | 2015/01 | |
| Author | Akihiro Yamauchi | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Shin-ei Kudo | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Hideyuki Miyachi | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Hanako Shishido | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Atsushi Katagiri | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Toyoki Kudo | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Masashi Misawa | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| Author | Fumio Ishida | Digestive Disease Center, Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | In our hospital, the number of patients over 80 years of age undergo endoscopy has increased from 4.6 % of all patients in 2002 to 9.3 % in 2013. In terms of complications in elderly patients, the number of cases with complications such as preparation related perforations and ileus were not significantly different from other age groups. The incidence rate of complications related to endoscopic treatment was almost the same for elderly patients and those under 65 years of age. Colonoscopy was introduced to reduce mortality rates due to colorectal cancer. Initially it was considered to be sufficiently applicable and useful for treating elderly patients. However, older patients are likely to have underlying diseases or impaired cardiovascular or respiratory functions. Those factors may be the cause of fatal complications in some cases. We need to consider the advantages as well as the risks associated with endoscopic therapy. We must carefully consider the general condition of individual elderly patients. We must provide informed consent and examine the application of colonoscopy. |
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