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 or age. Methods: Fifty-six cholecystitis patients were enrolled. Group I 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.