Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Challenges and Outcomes of the Procedure in Elderly Patients

Introduction: Gallstone disease is more prevalent in the elderly population besides having comorbid conditions and poor physiological reserves as compared with their younger counterpart. Laparoscopic procedures have certain inherent technical limitations and unique physiological demands. Hence, the procedures may have higher complications in elderly patients and need evaluation in this age-group of patients. Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate the safety of the procedure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients in terms of preoperative and intraoperative difficulties, postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality. Materials and methods: The study was conducted retrospectively, collecting data from hospital record of a total of 390 patients (45 elderly patients) operated during a period from 2012 to 2017. Results: The mean age of elderly patients was 66.7 years. All the patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy had an American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score of I or II. Intraoperative difficulties were encountered in 35.55% patients. Average hospital stay was 2.5 days. One patient had a minor bile leak. No mortality occurred. Conclusion: Procedure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe in elderly patients.