Diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy was associated with an excess of unexpected events requiring primary care consultation or emergency hospitalization, according to research in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
“There is reported to be inappropriate overuse of gastroscopy worldwide which is worryingly increasing over time. While the majority of endoscopy is perceived as safe, more than 10% of procedures are performed in those over 80 years of age, who have increasing levels of frailty and complex comorbidity, which may predispose them to adverse events,” Colin J Crooks, PhD, clinical associate professor at the University of Nottingham, and colleagues wrote.