Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in older patients: clinical experience from 56 consecutive patients in a rural community hospital in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe and effective treatment for gallbladder disease in elderly patients. However, there is little convincing prospective data regarding the outcome of LC in patients above 75 years of age.

METHODS

Fifty-six cholecystitis patients were enrolled. Group 1 consisted of 17 patients above 76-years-old, group 2 of 39 patients aged between 65 and 75 years. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were measured.

RESULTS

Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease were the most common medical comorbidities. Operation time, length of hospital stay, and incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Blood loss did increase significantly in group 1. Similar results were noted in patients with acute cholecystitis. No mortality occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

LC is a safe and effective treatment for older patients suffering from cholelithiasis, but these patients are at greater risk of blood loss. Preoperative coagulation profiles should be arranged.