Colecistectomía laparoscópica en octogenarios

Introduction. We have analyzed the results and complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in octogenerarians at our institution. The aim was to determine if laparoscopic surgery, elective or emergency, is the treatment modality of choice in extremely advanced ages. Materials and methods. Retrospective study on patients of age 80 and above that underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the period January 2002 and June 2008, analyzing epidemiology data, clinical presentation, evaluation of general condition and anesthesia risk, conversion rate, morbididity, and hospital stay. Results. Seventy five patients, 46 women (61%) and 29 men with mean age of 84.1 years (maximum 94) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgery was electively scheduled in 48 patients (64%) and emergency surgery was performed in 27 patients. Conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 93.% and the mean hospital stay was 3.8 days. Two patients required reoperation and two patients died. Conclusions. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice in octogenarian patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be considered in extremely elderly patients (except in those with clear contraindications) before complications develop.