AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility, complications and benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the patients over 75 years of age. METHODS: From January 1992 to July 1998, among the 863 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 102 patients over 75 years (group I) were compared to 761 younger patients (group II). RESULTS: The conversion rate was 22% in group I versus 13% in group II (P = 0.017). Mortality and morbidity rates were respectively 1% and 13.7% in elderly patients versus 0 and 6.6% in younger patients (P = 0.009). Mean length of hospital stay was higher in group I: 6.9 versus 4.5 d in group II (P < 10(-6)). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in patients above 75 for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones and acute cholecystitis with a low morbidity rate.
AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility, complications and benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the patients over 75 years of age. METHODS: From January 1992 to July 1998, among the 863 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 102 patients over 75 years (group I) were compared to 761 younger patients (group II). RESULTS: The conversion rate was 22% in group I versus 13% in group II (P = 0.017). Mortality and morbidity rates were respectively 1% and 13.7% in elderly patients versus 0 and 6.6% in younger patients (P = 0.009). Mean length of hospital stay was higher in group I: 6.9 versus 4.5 d in group II (P < 10(-6)). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in patients above 75 for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones and acute cholecystitis with a low morbidity rate.