Observational studyJournal of the American Geriatrics Society2022
Colonoscopy utilization and outcomes in older adults: Data from the New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry.
Observational study in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 16 citations in OpenAlex.
- Quality indicators for colonoscopy.Gastrointestinal endoscopy · 2024Guideline
- Operation sequence of bidirectional endoscopy with topical anesthesia affected colonoscopy performance: a randomized controlled trial.BMC gastroenterology · 2025Trial
- Article
- Age-related differences in the presentation, management, and outcomes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective multinational cohort study.The Lancet regional health. Europe · 2026Article
- Evaluation of colorectal cancer screening practices in Rhode Island, 2011-2021.Cancer causes & control : CCC · 2026Article
- Demographic and Clinicopathologic Factors Associated With Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence.JAMA network open · 2026Observational
- Balancing safety and effectiveness in colonoscopy for older adults: a narrative review.Intestinal research · 2025Review
- Does Colonoscopy as a First Screening Test Still Make Sense?-Counterpoint.Digestive diseases and sciences · 2025Review
- Quality Indicators for Colonoscopy.The American journal of gastroenterology · 2024Article
- Maximizing scarce colonoscopy resources: the crucial role of stool-based tests.Journal of the National Cancer Institute · 2024Article
- An abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program for older patients with constipation: Development and feasibility study.Saudi journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association · 2024Article
- Surveillance Colonoscopy Findings in Older Adults With a History of Colorectal Adenomas.JAMA network open · 2024Article
- Variation in Receipt of Cancer Screening and Immunizations by 10-year Life Expectancy among U.S. Adults aged 65 or Older in 2019.Journal of general internal medicine · 2024Article
- Barriers and recommendations for colorectal cancer screening in Africa.Global health action · 2023Review
- Prevalence of colorectal cancer screening test use by test type and age among older adults in the United States.Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2022Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors at 3 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundColonoscopy is frequently performed in older adults, yet data on current use, and clinical outcomes of and follow-up recommendations after colonoscopy in older adults are lacking.
methodsThis was an observational study using the New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry of adults age ≥65 years undergoing colonoscopy for screening, surveillance of prior polyps, or evaluation of symptoms. The main outcomes were clinical findings of polyps and colorectal cancer and recommendations for future colonoscopy by age.
resultsBetween 2009 and 2019, there were 42,611 colonoscopies, of which 17,527 (41%) were screening, 19,025 (45%) surveillance, and 6059 (14%) for the evaluation of symptoms. Mean age was 71.1 years (SD 5.0), and 49.3% were male. The finding of colorectal cancer was rare (0.71%), with the highest incidence among diagnostic examinations (2.4%). The incidence of advanced polyps increased with patient age from 65-69 to ≥85 years for screening (7.1% to 13.6%; p = 0.05) and surveillance (9.4% to 12.0%; p < 0.001). Recommendations for future colonoscopy decreased with age and varied by findings at current colonoscopy. In patients without any significant findings, 85% aged 70-74 years, 61.9% aged 75-79 years, 39.1% aged 80-84 years, and 27.4% aged ≥85 years (p < 0.001) were told to continue colonoscopy. Among patients with advanced polyps, 97.2% aged 70-74 years, 89.6% aged 75-79 years, 78.4% aged 80-84 years, and 66.7% aged ≥85 years were told to continue colonoscopy (p < 0.001).
conclusionsWithin this comprehensive statewide registry, clinical findings during colonoscopy varied by indication and increased with age. Overall rates of finding advanced polyps and colorectal cancer are low. Older adults are frequently recommended to continue colonoscopy despite advanced age and insignificant clinical findings on current examination. These data inform the potential benefits of ongoing colonoscopy, which must be weighed with the low but known potential immediate and long-term harms of colonoscopy, including cost, psychological distress, and long lag time to benefit exceeding life expectancy.
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