[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after age 75].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility, complications and benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the patients over 75 years of age.

METHODS

From January 1992 to July 1998, among the 863 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 102 patients over 75 years (group I) were compared to 761 younger patients (group II).

RESULTS

The conversion rate was 22% in group I versus 13% in group II (P = 0.017). Mortality and morbidity rates were respectively 1% and 13.7% in elderly patients versus 0 and 6.6% in younger patients (P = 0.009). Mean length of hospital stay was higher in group I: 6.9 versus 4.5 d in group II (P < 10(-6)).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in patients above 75 for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones and acute cholecystitis with a low morbidity rate.