Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the effect of age on conversions, complications and long-term results

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the appropriateness and long-term results of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of gallstone disease in the elderly.

We studied all elderly (≥75 years) patients (n = 80) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution during the years 1992-2001. Two control groups (65-74 years and <65 years) included the same amount of patients. For determining the long-term results, we asked the patients to specify their overall satisfaction with the results of the procedure (very satisfied, satisfied, no effect, worse).

There were no statistically significant differences in mean operative time (61, 65, 72 min) or conversions to open surgery (6, 11, 16%) between the age groups (<65, 65-74, ≥75 years). The mean hospitalization time (2.1, 3.3, 4.4 days) and complications (0, 11, 13%) increased with the age of the patients. Neither severe complications nor mortality were encountered. The vast majority of the patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the long-term results of the procedure in all age groups (97% <65 years, 83% 65-74 years, 80% ≥75 years).

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is also a safe and feasible operation with good long-term results in the elderly.