Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients 60 years and older

Advanced age is associated with an increase in postoperative complications. This study assesses the indications and outcome for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 151 patients aged 60 years or over, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 1991 and 2005. A prospective case enabled analysis of clinical and operative factors together with in-hospital morbidity, 30-day mortality, and duration of hospital stay. A serie of 151 patients: 102 women and 49 men with a mean age of 73,5 +/- 4,5 years, underwent. laparoscopic cholecystectomy (A), and compared with conventional cholecystectomy (B). Indications for cholecystectomy were chronic cholecystitis in 53%, acute cholecystitis 24%, gallstone pancreatitis in 10% and others conditions in 13%, and conversion to open procedure was required in 3% of patients. Overall, 12% patients develop a postoperative complications. There were no bile leaks or bile duct injuries. One patient, with gangrenous cholecystitis, died after open cholecystectomy. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely with low morbidity in patient's age over 65.