[Relevance of diagnostic and interventional endoscopy in elderly patients].

Abstract

The demographic development will lead to an increase in endoscopic examinations in elderly patients. Indications feasibility, complication rate and therapeutic consequences following detection of pathologic findings are important for assessing the relevance of endoscopy in geriatric patients. Indications and results of colonoscopy as well as special features of clinical presentation and endoscopic intervention in cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding are discussed. The placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography represent inconvenient endoscopic techniques in elderly patients. However, according to recent data, these procedures are assessed as being safe and effective.