Outcomes after cholecystectomy in patients aged ≥80 years: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis...

Geriatric patients may be at an increased risk of complications after cholecystectomy; however, quantification of this risk is not defined. We aimed to evaluate outcomes after cholecystectomy in octogenarians and factors independently associated with complications in these patients.

This is a retrospective study of 2017 to 2021 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data evaluating patients undergoing cholecystectomy, comparing patients aged ≥80 years with those aged <80 years. We compared demographics and outcomes with multivariable logistic regression modeling to evaluate factors independently associated with serious complications and mortality or serious complications.

Overall, 288,705 patients were included with 4.9% being octogenarian. Octogenarians were more likely to have comorbidities, functional dependence, and lower body mass index. Octogenarians were more likely to receive open cholecystectomies (7.2% vs 2.8%; P <.001), and they had longer operative time (76.6 vs 70.2 min; P <.001) and hospital stay (4.1 vs 1.6 days; P <.001). They were also more likely to undergo reoperation (1.7% vs 0.9%; P <.001) or have serious complications (9.7% vs 2.9%; P <.001). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that being an octogenarian was an independent factor of increased risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 3.29; P <.001) and serious complications (OR, 1.54; P <.001). Specific to octogenarians, minimally invasive surgical approach was significantly protective against serious complications (OR, 0.30; P <.001) and mortality (OR, 0.29; P <.001), whereas functional dependence increased likelihood of morbidity (OR, 4.42; P <.001) and serious complications (OR, 2.08; P =.002).

Octogenarians have an increased risk of morbidity after cholecystectomy. Minimally invasive surgery seems protective for these patients. Assessment of the octogenarians' functional dependence would provide insight preoperatively into their markedly increased perioperative risk.