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Is Colonoscopy Safe for Seniors Over 70? Here’s What You Should Know

is-colonoscopy-safe-for-seniors-over-70-heres-what-you-should-know

is-colonoscopy-safe-for-seniors-over-70-heres-what-you-should-know

Colonoscopy‍‌‍‍‌ remains one of the most effective methods for early detection of colorectal cancer. However, a question often arises if it is still necessary or safe to perform a colonoscopy after 70 years. Although screening is essential in disease prevention, the decision whether to continue colonoscopies in old people should take into account the benefits and risks associated with ageing. 

This article delves into the safety of colonoscopy in seniors, its benefits, drawbacks, and the best alternative. With the right advice and up-to-date gastroenterology treatment at Sarvesh Health City, the best gastroenterology hospital in Hisar, elderly people can make the best choice for their digestive ‍‌‍‍‌health.

Why Colonoscopy Matters for Early Detection

The doctors can see the whole colon and rectum with the help of a colonoscopy, which is a flexible tube containing a camera. It helps in locating polyps, inflamed areas, ulcers, and the earliest stages of colorectal cancer. The removal of polyps can be done in the same operation thus saving the patient from a cancerous growth.

It is still important to use screening as a weapon in the fight against colorectal cancer since this disease is characterized by the absence of symptoms at the early stage. 

What the Research Says About Colonoscopy After 70

There is a general consensus among specialists regarding the age at which adults have to start colon cancer screening. However, experts still debate about the age when one should discontinue the procedure.  According to a recent study of close to 10,000 seniors between the ages of 70 and 85, less than 1% had colorectal cancer. This suggests that regular surveillance may be of little help to older adults, particularly those who have already undergone several routine tests.

Guidelines for earlier stages have recommended the cessation of screenings around 75 years of age, but new research indicates that some healthy adults aged 75 to 85 can still gain the benefit. 

When Might a Colonoscopy Still Be Needed After 75?

Colonoscopic‍‌‍‍‌ examination is not limited by a strict maximum age, rather doctors assess an individual based on:

  • General health and presence of other diseases
  • Expected life span of 10 or more years
  • Polyps history or presence of high-risk adenomas
  • If a person has never undergone screening

Colonoscopy for elderly people who are fit and free of major medical problems could still be beneficial. However, those with complicated health conditions, heart diseases, bleeding disorders or difficulty with anaesthesia may be more suitable for non-invasive screening ‍‌‍‍‌methods.

Risks of Colonoscopy in Older Adults

Colonoscopy‍‌‍ is a safe procedure; however, older persons may be at slightly higher risk. The possible complications may comprise:

  • Bleeding, particularly after a polyp removal
  • Puncture of the colon, i.e., the scope causing a tear
  • Infections
  • Unsedated reactions, e.g., heart or breathing issues
  • Abdominal pain and discomfort
  • Extreme situations of stroke or heart attack

The chances of these issues happening are very low, but it’s worth considering because colonoscopy is a non-mandatory intervention. Additionally, elderly people may encounter difficulties in bowel formation, for instance, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness – factors that could lead to an increased risk of ‍‌‍‍‌falling.

Criteria to Evaluate Colonoscopy Safety in Seniors

Modern risk-evaluation tools now enable doctors to figure out if a colonoscopy is genuinely helpful and when it would be better to use a safer alternative. Gastroenterologists carefully compare the advantages of early cancer detection versus the risk of the procedure and the decision is mostly based on:

  • Age and general weakening of the body
  • Diseases that an individual may have
  • Results of the last colonoscopies
  • Whether previous tests found polyps or any other abnormalities
  • History of colorectal cancer either personal or ‍‌‍‍‌hereditary

Colonoscopy Preparation for Seniors

Colon cleansing is a challenging procedure for elders, that is why it is very important to be prepared to have a good visual during the examination and minimal complications. To make the preparation easier and safer, doctors generally advise to:

  • Introduce a low-fiber diet a few days prior to the appointment
  • Going on clear liquids only the day before
  • Using a PEG-based bowel prep kit, which is more compatible with the elderly than a sodium-based one
  • Not using dyes or food coloring
  • Providing the doctor with accurate information about medications and supplements
  • Being hydrated and keeping track of stools
  • Contacting the doctor in case of symptoms such as severe pain, vomiting, or inability to complete the ‍‌‍‍‌prep

Safe Alternatives to Colonoscopy for Seniors

There are various non-invasive methods as alternative options of colonoscopy for seniors. These are safer screening measures for elderly people with some health ‍‌‍‍‌issues, the alternative methods are: 

1. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

FIT is a very simple test, done at home, to check stool for hidden blood.In the case of a positive result, colonoscopy is advised.

2. Stool DNA Test

This test searches for the genetic changes that may lead to cancer. Most of the time this test is done together with the FIT.

3. Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)

This method is used for visualising colon in 3D with the help of a CT scan. Although the patient still needs to prepare the bowel, the method is without anesthesia and the risk is less.

Final Thoughts 

Colonoscopy can be helpful for elders above 70+ years of age, nevertheless, the choice depends on the person’s general condition, their screening history, and risk factors. In fact, elderly people can get a thorough assessment and opt for the alternative and less risky procedures  that will effectively preserve their digestive health in the long run. 

Sarvesh Health City, the best gastroenterology hospital in Hisar, offers expert endoscopic care, screening options suitable for seniors, and up-to-date diagnostics. The skilled doctors and patient-focused methods help the elderly patients get safe, accurate, and empathetic gastrointestinal care.

FAQs

Q1.‍‌‍‍‌ Is a colonoscopy always required after 75?

Ans. No, it is not always required, it is only required after a thorough check of the patient’s general condition, the result of the previous tests, and the probability of getting cancer or not.

Q2. What is the safest colonoscopy alternative for older adults?

Ans. FIT and stool DNA are non-invasive tests; they do not require sedation and are safer for seniors who have medical conditions.

Q3. Are there a lot of cases where colonoscopy leads to complications in the elderly?

Ans. Incidents are very infrequent, but of slightly higher numbers in the elderly who have heart disease, are prone to bleeding, or are generally weak.

Q4. How can I tell if my parents should not undergo colonoscopy anymore?

Ans. It’s a gastroenterologist’s decision based on thorough evaluation including age, health conditions, expected lifetime, and previous test results, whether a colonoscopy is required or not. 

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DR. ABHISHEK SAINI

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Consult Dr. Abhishek Saini, a leading gastroenterologist in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City, for expert diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. Book your appointment today.