Urologic care of nonagenarians

Abstract

Introduction: Nonagenarians represent a rapidly growing patient population in Canada with unique health concerns. With the goal of preparing urologists to manage this complicated patient populations in the future, we sought to characterize referral patterns, diagnoses, investigations, treatments, and associated complications in a cohort of nonagenarians. Our second goal was to review anticholinergic burden (ACB) and rates of anticoagulation in this patient population and to assess the risk of hematuria in those who were anticoagulated. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of a sample of nonagenarians referred to our tertiary care centre between 2009 and 2017. Demographic information, referral patterns, investigations, treatment plans, and outcomes were assessed. We assessed medication lists to calculate ACB scores at the time of referral, in addition to rates of anticoagulation use. Results: Data was collected for 154 nonagenarians. Hematuria was the most common reason for referral (n=43, 27.9%). Urinary retention and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were seen in 22 and 36 patients, respectively. The majority of patients underwent routine investigations; however, treatment decisions were frequently based on age and frailty. Mild, moderate and severe ACB scores were seen in 76.6%, 9.33%, and 14.0%, respectively. Of those referred for hematuria, 78.1% were on anticoagulation therapy. Conclusions: The most common reasons for urologic referral of nonagenarians include hematuria and LUTS. Most nonagenarians are offered routine investigations, and many are offered minor interventions for common benign and malignant urologic diagnoses. When treating nonagenarians, an individualized patient-centered care approach is likely most appropriate.