PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe and effective treatment for gallbladder disease in elderly patients. However, there is little convincing prospective data regarding the outcome of LC in patients above 75 years of age. METHODS: Fifty-six cholecystitis patients were enrolled. Group 1 consisted of 17 patients above 76-years-old, group 2 of 39 patients aged between 65 and 75 years. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were measured. RESULTS: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease were the most common medical comorbidities. Operation time, length of hospital stay, and incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Blood loss did increase significantly in group 1. Similar results were noted in patients with acute cholecystitis. No mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: LC is a safe and effective treatment for older patients suffering from cholelithiasis, but these patients are at greater risk of blood loss. Preoperative coagulation profiles should be arranged.
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Hou-Yu Su (2009) studied this question.
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