Original article. Intravenous sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in very elderly patients of Thailand

Background: The use of sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) procedures in elderly patients has been established as a safe and effective technique. However, it is still uncertain whether the situation is valid for Asians.

Objective: Evaluate the outcome of intravenous sedation (IVS) for GIE procedures in very elderly patients (>86 years old) in Thailand and compare the clinical efficacy of IVS between very elderly and those younger (<86 years old)

Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of the sedation service records of patients who underwent GIE procedures between 2007 and 2008 at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. All sedations were administered by anesthetic personnel in the endoscopy room. The cohort was divided into three groups, <65 years old (group 1), 65-85 years old (group 2), and >86 years old (group 3).

Results: Sedation was provided for 1,779 patients (965, 687, and 127 patients in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively) in 2,061 GIE procedures. Fentanyl, midazolam and propofol were the most common IVS drugs used in all three groups. Patients in group 3 required lower mean doses of these intravenous sedatives than those in group 1 or 2 (p <0.001). Mean procedure time in group 3 was longer than in group 1 or 2 (p=0.010). Adverse events in group 3 occurred more frequently when compared to group 1 or 2 (p <0.001). Transient hypotension was the main complication across all aged groups.

Conclusion: IVS for GIE procedure in very elderly patients was associated with higher minor advance events but relatively safe and effective when carried out by trained anesthetic personnel with appropriate monitoring and dose adjustment.