LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN THE ELDERLY

Background: Few studies have examined the results of laparoscopic chol ecystectomy (LC) in the elderly. We reviewed our experience with the p rocedure in 194 patients age 65 and older. Methods: A chart review was performed on patients who underwent attempted LC over a 4-year period . Age, conversion rate to open cholecystectomy (OC), length of stay, a nd morbidity and mortality rates were compared between elective and in patients as well as between patients age 65-75 and patients over age 7 5. Results: Conversion rate to OC was 10.6%. Mean length of hospital s tay was 2.7 days. Morbidity and mortality rates were 18% and 1%. Elect ive patients experienced significantly fewer medical complications. Th ere were no differences in complication rates between patients age 65- 75 and patients over 75 years, but younger patients had a significantl y shorter mean length of hospitalization. Conclusions: Elderly patient s experience more complications and longer lengths of stay than the ge neral population. However, our results compare favorably with OC serie s in elderly patients.