Which patient age category is associated with an increased risk of complications after endoscopic procedures?

The association of increased risk of complications after endoscopic procedures with the patient age category over 60 years can be attributed to several physiological and health-related factors that accompany aging.

Firstly, older adults often have multiple comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, which can complicate not only the procedure itself but also recovery and postoperative care. The presence of these conditions can increase the likelihood of adverse events, such as bleeding, infection, or respiratory issues.

Secondly, anatomical and physiological changes that occur with aging can complicate endoscopic procedures. Older patients may have reduced elasticity and vascularity of their tissues, which can lead to greater fragility and a higher risk of perforation or bleeding during manipulation. Furthermore, elderly patients may have more intricate variations in anatomy, which can present additional challenges during an endoscopic approach.

Finally, older patients may respond differently to sedation and anesthesia, often requiring more careful titration and monitoring. This can make the procedural planning more complex and increase the risks associated with sedation-related complications.

In summary, the increased risk of complications in patients over 60 years of age is primarily due to a combination of comorbidities, anatomical changes, and altered pharmacokinetics, necessitating a careful