Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy for Chinese elderly in an acute geriatric unit: a review.

From December 1982 to August 1983, a total of 242 oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopies were performed for 208 elderly patients in the Geriatric Unit, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong. These were done as part of an investigatory procedure in the Geriatric Unit, the first of its kind in Hong Kong. In the 9-month survey, it was found that upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy is a safe and useful diagnostic investigation. It also provides in-service training and stimulation for staff working in the unit to look at one of the many facets of geriatric medicine.