Retrospective Study on Outcome of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Elderly at JSS Hospital, Mysuru

Abstract

(a) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a widely performed surgery in India and across the world for a wide range of indications. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries, and hence a study based on outcomes of Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly would go a long way in determining the safety and success of Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly, and could help in timing surgery more effectively to avoid complications and difculties. (b) Materials and methods: Out of 250 patients who underwent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at JSS Hospital in the period starting January 2019 onwards who were selected by randomization, 65 patients t the criteria (age > 60 years) while 185 patients were aged <60. Data regarding comorbidities, duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, conversion to open cholecystectomy was compiled and studied. (c) Results: A signicant number of the patients in the elderly age group had associated comorbidities. Duration of surgery was prolonged by a mean duration of 9.5 minutes in the elderly. Duration of hospital stay was increased by a mean of 2.2 days in the elderly. Incidence of conversion to open cholecystectomy was also higher in the elderly. (d) Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively safe and easy surgery with few complications. However, one may experience difculties while operating on the elderly, viz. Adhesions, contracted gall bladder with hepatic adhesions etc., Which may result in longer duration of surgery and higher rates of conversion to open cholecystectomy.