2019 Volume 39 Issue 6 Pages 1037-1042
In the recently aging society, the incidence of acute cholangitis with common bile duct stones is increasing in the elderly, and the approach requiring biliary drainage for the elderly is also increasing. In addition, with the rapid advance in the aging society, cases of super-old age have a tendency to increase. Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) is the first choice for treatment of acute cholangitis in the elderly, and it is also regarded as a safe and effective treatment for the elderly as is the case in younger patients. However, for those frail elderly patients with decreased organ function, endoscopic treatment may be a big burden on their circulatory and respiratory system. Therefore, endoscopic treatment should be performed with caution, taking into account the specific risks and possible adverse events for the elderly. Furthermore, it is important to determine individual appropriate treatment flexibly by considering not only the age but also the general condition and underlying comorbidities of each individual.
