Keywords
Gallstone Disease
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Perioperative Outcomes
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Gallstone disease is increasingly prevalent in the elderly population and often requires surgical intervention. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard treatment; however, concerns persist regarding perioperative risk in elderly patients due to comorbidities and reduced physiological reserve.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in elderly patients.
Methodology: A prospective observational descriptive study was conducted between January 2021 and July 2023 at a tertiary care centre. Patients aged ≥65 years undergoing elective or emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy were included. Data on demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, indications for surgery, postoperative complications graded using the Clavien–Dindo system, length of hospital stay, readmissions, and histopathological findings were collected and analysed.
Results: A total of 334 elderly patients were included, with a mean age of 68.9 ± 4.7 years. Most patients were classified as ASA grade I–II 322 (96.41%). Uncomplicated cholelithiasis was the most common indication for surgery 233 (69.76%). Postoperative complications occurred in 44 (13.17%) of patients. Complications ranged from Clavien–Dindo Grade I to Grade IIIb, with no Grade IV or V complications and no mortality. Fourteen patients (4.19%) required readmission. The mean duration of total hospital stay was 3.57 ± 2.05 days.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients demonstrated perioperative outcomes and complication profiles comparable within the range reported in the literature for younger populations. These findings support the continued use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients when guided by appropriate patient selection, perioperative optimization, and routine histopathological assessment.
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