Colorectal neoplasia in elderly versus young patients in Tunisia: analysis of colonoscopic findings

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer occurs more frequently in older patients. Since the older population is increasing, a better understanding of the characteristics of colorectal neoplasm according to the age would be useful. To determine the differences of clinical characteristics of colorectal neoplasm including polyps between the elderly and young patients. Colonoscopy database from 2004 to 2008 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 1510 eligible patients who underwent colonoscopy with a mean age of 54 years. Patients were classified into two groups the older age group [Group 1, aged >/= 60 years, n = 626] and the younger age group [Group 2, aged < 60 years, n = 884]. Data were recorded on age, gender, colonoscopic indications, colonoscopic findings, and their related histological findings and tumor location. The risk of finding polyps and cancer at colonoscopy increases with age [29.4% in the older age group and 11% in the younger age group [p < 0.05]. Left-sided lesions were noted to be more frequent in both age groups [66% and 67% respectively]. The chance of detecting colorectal neoplasm by colonoscopy was higher in the elderly. However, both groups had the lesions predominately located in the left side