The Management of the Polyps in the Elderly

Backgroud and Aim: To investigate the polyp incidence and the pathological findings in the elderly population in order to prevent them from Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC), in terms of safety polypectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of colonoscopies in our hospital over 2-year period was performed. This study was performed between 2012-2014 years. The outcome measures were patients age, gender, polyp localisation, pathological findings. Those who have multiple polyposis syndrome, colonic mass, inflammatory bowel disease, active colitis and active hemoragia were excluded from the study. Patients were classified as low and high risk group by pathological findings. Results: A total of 1432 colonoscopies were evaluated during the period, 448 patients were over 65 and 168 of them were polypectomy performed. By the pathological evaluation 57 them were non displastic, 99 have Low Grade Displasia (LGD) and 12 have High Grade Displasia (HGD). 166 patients were low and 2 patients were at high risk group. Only 1 patient went under surgery in terms of safety polypectomy. Conclusion: Some polyps may have a high risk of CRC. Regardless of age, colonoscopy seems to be the first choice for the identification and threatment of these lesions. A common and safety classification can be usefull for the treatment and the follow up of these lesions.