Questionnaire-Based Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopies and H. pylori Eradication for Elderly Patients in East Asian Countries

Background: Gastrointestinal endoscopy and Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication therapy are commonly performed even among the elderly population. The aim of this study was to understand the way endoscopists viewed the application of endoscopy and H. pylori eradication in the elderly of East Asian countries. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires containing 13 questions on endoscopy and H. pylori eradication in the elderly were distributed to major institutions in Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Results: Two hundred and fifteen endoscopists (111 in Japan, 39 in China, 24 in Korea, 21 in Indonesia, and 20 in the Philippines) participated in this study. In the institutions where these endoscopists were associated, around 50% of patients undergoing endoscopy were above the age of 60 years. The participating endoscopists indicated that the necessity of screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy was lower in populations aged over 81 than the other age groups. They hesitated to perform therapeutic endoscopy, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, more often in patients over 85. They also hesitated to perform H. pylori eradication in patients aged over 81, especially in Japan. Conclusion: Endoscopists had significantly different attitudes regarding the indications for screening or therapeutic endoscopy and H. pylori eradication therapy in younger and elderly populations in East Asian countries.