[Pathology of the bile ducts in the elderly]

After examining the literature on the subject, all admissions to the Pavia University Department of Surgical Pathology from 1-1-1974 to 31-12-1985 belonging to the IIIrd age and suffering from non-neoplastic and neoplastic bile way pathology have been reviewed. The two groups were studied on the basis of their histories and laboratory examinations, the outcome of the operation and its complications. It was found that in patients affected by non-neoplastic pathology (lithiasis of the bile ways, alithiasic cholecystitis, etc.) the operation of choice was well tolerated, unlike emergency surgery which in most cases was dangerous. In the IInd group, on the other hand, general condition is very important because on this depends whether or not resective or derivative intervention is carried out. It should be noted here that in all IIIrd age patients associated diseases have to be studied closely for these can contribute to death. It is concluded that in the Ist group of patients, operation can take place in optimal general and local conditions so that the operation can be of choice and not emergency. In the IInd group, as soon as the general condition of the patient so permits, the operation must be as extensive as possible, as age is not an impediment to surgery.