Abstract
BACKGROUND: Changing demographics trends in our country will have a profound influence on the future practice of otolaryngology. The geriatrics population has already become the fastest-growing segment of our society and it will continue to be so for decades to come and very soon a larger percentage of patients treated by Otolaryngologist will be in the over 65 age groups. The aim of this study is to present our observations on geriatrics ORL as seen in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective study analysis of 170 geriatrics patients that presented in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 2000 and 2004 was done. The diagnosis in each subject was based on history, clinical findings, and investigations done on each subject at the time of presentation. Results: 170 geriatrics patients were seen and treated over the 5-year studied period with 94 males (55.3%), 76 females (44.7%) (M:F 1.2:1) and with an average age of 70.9 years (age range 65-97 years). The geriatrics patients constituted 3.64% of the total new cases (4,675) seen during the studied period. Majority of the patients lived in the towns and cities 109 (64.1%) while 61 (35.9%) lived in the villages. 158 (92.9%) were married with 69 (40.6%) engaged in trading as an occupation while 54 (31.8%) and 23 (13.5%) were pensioners and housewife respectively. Only 16 (9.4%) still engaged in farming activities. The main presentations in these geriatrics patients were otological presentations 114 (67.1%) followed by rhinological 31(18.2%) and laryngeal presentations 22 (12.9%) respectively. Facio-plastic presentations were of 3 (1.8%) cases. Presbycusis 35 (30.7%) and cerumen auris 30 (26.3%) were the main otological problems encountered. Rhino-sinusitis 20 (58.8%) constituted the main rhinological problems seen. Laryngeal carcinoma 10 (41.7%) and pharyngolaryngitis 6 (25%) constituted the main laryngeal problems found in this study. Majority of the patients were treated as outpatients 160 (94.1%), only 10 (5.9%) required admission for their treatments with an average hospital stays of 3-weeks. Conclusion: In conclusion, presbycusis, cerumen auris, rhino-sinusitis, and laryngeal carcinoma were the main otorhinolaryngological presentations seen among the geriatrics studied. With the explosive growth of the elderly population, this group will become a larger percentage of patients in the future and Otolaryngologist would need to be prepared to take care of these categories of patients adequately. Current and newly developed information relating to geriatrics in otolaryngology must be incorporated into present training of Otolaryngologist. Continuing education programs in geriatrics otolaryngology should be provided for all physicians in family practice to ensure early referral of such cases to ORL specialists.