Evaluation of the management of acute cholecystitis in very elderly patients

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and management of AC in very elderly (>80 years old) patients. Material and Methods: A total of 345 patients aged 20-89 years, who presented to the emergency department of our hospital and were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as < 80 years old and 80 years old, and the studied parameters were compared between these two groups. Patients' demographic data such as age and gender, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, treatment method, type of cholecystectomy and mortality status were recorded. Results: The majority of the patients in the 80 yo group had comorbidities, including hypertension by 39.3%, coronary artery disease by 19.2%, diabetes mellitus by 18.5% and cerebrovascular disease by 14.5%. The rate of the patients undergoing urgent surgery was significantly higher in the 80 yo group (p=0.02). The rate of the patients undergoing elective surgery was significantly higher in the < 80 yo group (p<0.01). The duration of hospitalization was significantly longer in the patients 80 yo. No mortality was observed in the <80 yo group, while eight (4.6%) patients in the 80 yo group died. Discussion: The management of acute and chronic diseases in very old patients has become important due to the globally increasing elderly population and the corresponding increase in life expectancy. According to our findings, comorbidities, biochemical parameters, hospitalization and mortality were significantly higher in the patients 80 yo compared to those <80 yo.