[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after age 75].
OBJECTIVE
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.
Pessaux
P
P
Département de chirurgie viscérale, CHU, Angers, France.
Tuech
J J
JJ
Duplessis
R
R
Seicean
R
R
Arnaud
J P
JP
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000601:surgery; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate