Risk factors for complications and mortality related to endoscopic procedures in adults

Abstract

Background and aim: The objective of this study is to identify and describe risk factors and complications in endoscopic procedures.

Methods: This review presents the complications and the accompanying risk factors that were described in the selected full-text articles. The relevant full-text articles were found in Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and the CINAHL database.

Results: The search resulted in 238 abstracts, 50 of which were finally selected for full-text analysis. The different types of endoscopic procedures each have specific complications, but bleeding and perforation occur in all procedures. It was found that bleeding, perforation, cardiovascular and respiratory complications were common complications.Furthermore, morbidity and mortality have been associated with risk factors such as older age, high ASA class and sedation.

Conclusion: Endoscopy is not without risk, although the prevalence of complications is low. Most complications seenin this analysis, are linked to known risk factors. Some complications might be preventable or avoidable, given a more systematic and comprehensive approach pre-, per- and postprocedural. The creation and implementation of an endoscopic safety checklist could be an -important supportive tool in lowering complications.