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Minimally invasive surgery in the elderly patient
G M Fried1, D Clas, J L Meakins
1Division of General Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Minimal access surgery requires careful evaluation and quality assurance. Laparoscopic surgery benefits older patients with gallstones, but conversion to open procedures poses risks, especially for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Minimal access surgery (MAS) is expanding rapidly.
- MAS necessitates rigorous evaluation and quality assurance.
- Surgical indications should not solely be driven by new techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits of laparoscopic surgery for symptomatic gallstone disease in elderly patients.
- To emphasize the need for careful assessment of new surgical procedures.
Main Methods:
- Review of outcomes for laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients with gallstones.
- Analysis of conversion rates from laparoscopic to open procedures.
- Assessment of risks associated with MAS in older populations.
Main Results:
- Laparoscopic surgery demonstrates clear benefits for elderly patients with symptomatic gallstones.
- Conversion to open surgery is a potential risk, particularly in elderly gallstone patients.
- The elderly demographic faces higher risks during conversion to open procedures.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic approaches are beneficial for elderly patients with gallstones.
- Continuous evaluation and quality assurance are crucial for MAS.
- Each new minimally invasive procedure requires independent assessment.