Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in the elderly: a retrospective study of 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the use oflaparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in elderly patients, and to identify risk factors for mortality.

METHODOLOGY: In this study we have included patients with acute cholecystitis aged 75 years and older. Patients were diagnosed after anatomical and pathological examination of an operative sample. We retrospectively examined 100 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between June 1991 and February 2007. Seventy-nine patients (79%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 12 patients (12%) needed a conversion, and 15 patients (15%) were considered unfit to undergo a laparoscopic approach, due to their hemodynamic condition or for other reasons.

RESULTS: American Society of Anesthesiologists Scores (ASA), inflammatory syndrome, length of postoperative stay, number of days in the Intensive Care Unit, local complications, and mortality rate are all significantly higher in the 'laparotomy and conversion'. There was not a significant difference in age or general complications between groups. The mortality risk factors include a high level of CRP, biliary peritonitis, emergency, and the necessity of laparotomy.

CONCLUSION: Acute cholecystitis is a severe pathology in the elderly associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Due to the mortality risk factors associated with acute cholecystitis, we recommend elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for aged patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis, due to its low morbidity and mortality rates.