Efficacy and Safety of Single-Balloon Enteroscopy in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background: Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is an effective tool in management of small-bowel disease. However, data on SBE in elderly patients are limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and diagnostic and therapeutic utility of SBE in elderly patients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed at a tertiary referral hospital. A total of 168 patients who underwent 265 SBE procedures from December 2009 to October 2016 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on age: young (<65 years) and elderly (≥65 years). Comorbidities, complications, findings, and diagnostic and therapeutic yields were compared between groups. Results: Of the 168 patients included, 112 were young and 56 were elderly. Compared with young patients, elderly patients tended to have higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score and greater number of comorbidities. Elderly patients were more likely than young patients to undergo SBE for gastrointestinal bleeding (83.9% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001) or therapeutic management (39.3% vs. 16.9%, p = 0.001), and have high diagnostic yield (75% vs. 51.8%, p = 0.004). With regard to SBE findings, elderly patients were more likely to show angiodysplasia (37.5% vs. 8%, p < 0.001) or diverticulum (25% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in complications between groups. Conclusion: SBE in elderly patients is safe and has higher diagnostic and therapeutic yields than in younger patients.

Keywords

• efficacy
• elderly
• safety
• single-balloon enteroscopy