P117 Utility value of colonoscopy in octonanogenarians

Published Date: 07th October 2026

Publication Authors: Challapalli. P, Gokul. K, Artoiukh. D

Aim
To evaluate the rationale and effectiveness of colonoscopy in patients aged over 80 years during a one-year period at Southport Hospital, which serves a predominantly geriatric population. Current protocol-driven diagnostic pathways frequently result in direct triaging to endoscopy, potentially bypassing comprehensive assessment of biological age, procedural feasibility, and overall risk–benefit balance.

Methods
A retrospective audit was conducted involving 105 patients aged over 80 who underwent colonoscopy between January and December 2021. Data was collected using a structured audit proforma, encompassing pre-, intra-, and post-procedural variables, and were obtained from hospital endoscopy and clinical records.

Results
Pre-procedural demographics identified anaemia (31%) and change in bowel habit (26%) as the most common indications. The overall completion rate was 73%. Diagnostic findings included diverticulosis (52%), polyps (9%), colitis (3%), and malignancy (15%). Factors contributing to incomplete procedures and reduced diagnostic yield included patient discomfort, colonic angulation, inadequate bowel preparation, as well as the impact of polypharmacy and multiple comorbidities.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that a more selective, targeted approach to endoscopy in this age group may be preferable to its routine use as a first-line investigation, in order to optimise diagnostic yield and procedural efficacy.

Challapalli, P; Gokul, K; Artoiukh, D. (2026). P117 Utility value of colonoscopy in octonanogenarians. Colorectal Disease. 28(S2), [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/codi.70595 [Accessed 14 October 2026]