Colonic investigations in the elderly : colonoscopy or barium enema ?

Colonoscopy (CS) is currently considered the best diagnostic procedure for colonic imaging. The objectives of this multicentric study were to assess whether CS or simple contrast barium enema (SCBE) has the best effectiveness and tolerance in the elderly (over 80 years old). Except in cases of emergency, 67 elderly patients from 3 centers were randomized among three diagnostic strategies: CS, SCBE or barium enema + rectosigmoidoscopy (BERS). CSs were generally carried out after polyethylene- glycol (PEG) cleansing, and barium enemas after enema cleansing.