CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC FEATURES OF CHOLELITHIASIS IN THE ELDERLY OVER EIGHTY YEARS OLD

In order to clarify clinical and therapeutic features in aged patients over 80 years old with cholelithiasis, 363 patients treated at our department during a recent one decade were retrospectively studied by comparing with younger age groups. Patients in their seventies accounted for 16% (59 cases) and those over 80 years old, 6.1% (22). Clinical features in aged patients (over 80) were characterized by:1) Stones were frequently existed in the choledochus and frequently composed of pigment stones.2) Bacteria were found in culture of bile taken from almost all patients.3) Once symptoms occurred, patients tended to become seriously ill, and emergency operations were often performed.4) The frequency of postoperative complications were same as that in age group sixties or seventies.From the above, we emphasize that surgery should be performed at the point of onset over 80 years old under sufficient pre and postoperative management. In addition misdiagnosis was often made preoperatively, and we also emphasize that we should not neglect preoperative ultrasonography.