Outcomes of Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard of treatment for benign gallbladder disease. However, many surgeons remain reluctant to perform LC in elderly due to perceived concerns about safety. The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of elective LC in the elderly.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study in the Department of General & Gastrointestinal Surgery at College of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital. The study duration was from July 2024 to January 2025. Data were entered analyzed in SPSS and descriptive findings are presented.
Results
A total of 330 elective LC were performed during the study duration. All 59 elderly patients who underwent elective LC were included in the study. Post-operative complications were seen in 7/59 (11.9%, 95% CI; 5.9%-22.6%); however, all of them were minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II). Mean operative time was 75±31 minutes (95% CI; 67.3-82.7), mean postoperative length of stay (LOS) was 3.4±1.1 days (95% CI; 3.1-3.7) and conversion to open cholecystectomy was necessary in 3/59 (4.8%, 95% CI; 0.0-10.7%).
Conclusions
This study reinforced that LC is a relatively safe procedure, with no evidence of increased postoperative complications, increased risk for conversion to an open cholecystectomy, or prolonged hospitalization in adequately optimized elderly patients. Further multicenter studies should be conducted to confirm these findings across diverse settings and include patients with ASA III–IV to guide surgical decision‑making in higher‑risk elderly populations.