Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in older patients: clinical experience from 56 consecutive patients in a rural community hospital in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Su
Hou-Yu
HY
Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital Luodong, Yilan County, Taiwan. horysu@ms48.hinet.net
Lee
Wei-Jei
WJ
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006780:Hospitals, Rural; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome