Dysphagia in the elderly: what does it mean to the endoscopist?
The role of fibreoptic endoscopy in the investigation of dysphagia in an elderly population was investigated. Three hundred and sixty-five subjects were studied. Two hundred and sixty subjects had abnormalities with extra oesophageal disease accounting for symptoms in a substantial minority. Endoscopy was safe, offered the advantage of immediate therapy and was well tolerated. Sub-group analysis showed it to be preferable to radiological investigation in diagnosing both benign and malignant mucosal lesions.
Department of Geriatrics & Medicine, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
P
P
Bannister
A J
AJ
Stanners
R A
RA
Mountford
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies