Age profiles of benign gallbladder disease in 2,000 patients

Hospital charts and operative notes on 2,000 consecutive cholecystectomies performed between 1965-1984 for benign gallbladder disease were reviewed and computer analyzed. Patients were divided into five age categories (1-29, 30-49, 50-69, 70-79, 80 years and above). Fifteen variables were examined for each age category, including total number, sex, presenting symptoms (jaundice, acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis), intraoperative findings (presence of stones, common bile duct width and stones), operative procedures, bile cultures, histology, postoperative course and mortality. In addition to critically assessing performance and permitting comparison with other series, this age-related analysis suggests the following conclusions: The female predominance in age category 1 diminishes in categories 4 and 5. Acute cholecystitis and suppurative cholangitis occur in 44% of age category 5, compared to 14-24% in other age categories. Intraoperative fluorocholangiography is mandatory; common bile duct stones were found in 14% of age category 1. Age category 2 seems to be the group least susceptible to choledochal pathology. Acalculous cholecystitis is closely related to gangrenous changes, especially (almost selectively) in age categories 4 and 5. The frequency of infected bile rises with age, and is found in 90% of patients in age category 5. Mortality from operations for benign gallbladder disease is ten times higher in patients over 70 years of age compared to younger patients. An ultrasonographic study should be performed before any major laparotomy, especially in the aged, in order to diagnose silent stones, and prepare the patient for concomitant cholecystectomy. Elective cholecystectomy in age categories 4 and 5 is still accompanied by high mortality rates.