Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients Aged 80 Years and Over

Effect of antithrombotic therapy on postoperative outcome of 538 consecutive emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomies for acute cholecystitis: two Italian center's study

The risk of developing hemorrhagic complications during or after emergency cholecystectomy (EC) for acute cholecystitis (AC) in patients with antithrombotic therapy (ATT) remains uncertain. In this double-center study, we evaluated post-operative outcomes in patients with ATT undergoing EC. We retrospectively evaluated 538 patients who underwent laparoscopic EC for AC between May 2015 and December 2019 at two referral centers. 89 of them (17%) were on ATT. We defined postoperative complication rates, including bleeding, as our primary outcome. Mortality was higher in the ATT group. Morbidity was higher in the ATT group as well; however, the difference was not statistically significant. 12 patients (2%) experienced intraoperative blood loss over 500 ml and ten (2%) had postoperative bleeding complications. Two patients (< 1%) experienced both intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. On multivariate analysis, ATT was not significantly associated with worse postoperative outcomes. Antithrombotic therapy is not an independently associated factor of severe postoperative complications (including bleeding) or mortality. However, these patients still represent a challenging group and must be carefully managed to avoid postoperative bleeding complications.

Safety of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly: A Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors for Intra and Postoperative Complications

Background and Objectives: This study investigates the impact of age upon the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis, by a multivariate approach. Materials and Methods: A 2-year retrospective study was performed on 333 patients admitted for acute cholecystitis who underwent emergency cholecystectomy. The patients included in the study group were divided into four age subgroups: A ≤49 years; B: 50-64 years; C: 65-79 years; D ≥80 years. Results: Surgery after 72 h from onset (p = 0.007), severe forms, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification and Charlson comorbidity index scores (p < 0.001) are well correlated with older age. Both cardiovascular and surgical related complications were significantly higher in patients over 50 years (p = 0.045), which also proved to be a turning point for increasing the rate of conversion and open surgery. However, the comparative incidence did not differ significantly between patients aged from 50-64 years, 65-79 years and over 80 years (6.03%, 9.09% and 5.8%, respectively). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was the most frequently used surgical approach in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in all age groups, with better outcomes than open cholecystectomy in terms of decreased overall and postoperative hospital stay, reduced surgery related complications, and the incidence of acute cardiovascular events in the early postoperative period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The degree of systemic inflammation was the main factor that influenced the adverse outcome of LC in the elderly. Among comorbidities, diabetes was associated with increased surgical and systemic postoperative morbidity, while stroke and chronic renal insufficiency were correlated with a high risk of cardiovascular complications. With adequate perioperative care, the elderly has much to gain from the benefits of a minimally invasive approach, which allows a decreased rate of postoperative complications and a reduced hospital stay.

The Importance of Early Management of Severe Biliary Infection: Current Concepts

Background

The incidence of biliary infections is rising worldwide and has become one of the main reasons for emergency admissions.

Methods

This is a narrative review of the literature emphasizing news concepts related to the early management of biliary diseases.

Results

The bacteriology is frequently polymicrobial, with a progressive increase of multidrug resistant bacteria. The form of presentation is variable, and the mortality rate may reach 20%. When cholecystitis or cholangitis is suspected, ultrasound is the gold standard imaging test. Depending on the severity of presentation, local resistances, and risk factors for multiresistant organisms, the most appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment must be initiated. In acute cholecystitis, cholecystectomy plays the main therapeutic role. In patients not suitable for surgery, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a valid alternative for source control. Treatment of severe cholangitis is based on the drainage of the bile duct and antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions

Biliary infections are serious conditions that can lead to sepsis and death. The introduction of new internationally accepted guidelines, based on clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and imaging, provides a platform for their timely diagnosis and management. Early severity assessment, initiation of intravenous antibiotics, and source control are fundamental to improving morbidity and mortality.

Perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasingly performed in an ever ageing population; however, the risks are poorly quantified. The study aims to review the current evidence to quantify further the postoperative risk of cholecystectomy in the elderly population compared to younger patients.

METHOD

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were conducted including studies reporting laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly population. A meta-analysis was reported in accordance with the recommendations of the Cochrane Library and PRISMA guidelines. Primary outcome was overall complications and secondary outcomes were conversion to open surgery, bile leaks, postoperative mortality and length of stay.

RESULTS

This review identified 99 studies incorporating 326,517 patients. Increasing age was significantly associated with increased rates of overall complications (OR 2.37, CI95% 2.00-2.78), major complication (OR 1.79, CI95% 1.45-2.20), risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy (OR 2.17, CI95% 1.84-2.55), risk of bile leaks (OR 1.50, CI95% 1.07-2.10), risk of postoperative mortality (OR 7.20, CI95% 4.41-11.73) and was significantly associated with increased length of stay (MD 2.21 days, CI95% 1.24-3.18).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative outcomes such as overall and major complications appear to be significantly higher in all age cut-offs in this meta-analysis. This study demonstrated there is a sevenfold increase in perioperative mortality which increases by tenfold in patients > 80 years old. This study appears to confirm preconceived suspicions of higher risks in elderly patients undergoing cholecystectomy and may aid treatment planning and informed consent.

Safety and outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the extremely elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Gallstones are a common cause of morbidity in the elderly. Operative treatment is often avoided due to concerns about poor outcomes but the evidence for this is unclear. We aim to consolidate available evidence assessing laparoscopic cholecystectomy outcomes in the extreme elderly (>80s) compared to younger patients. Methods: Studies comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in >80s with younger patients were considered. Total complications, mortality, conversion, bile duct injury, and length of stay were compared between the two groups. Results: Twelve studies including 366,522 patients were included. They were of moderate overall quality. The elderly group had more complicated gallbladder disease and also had more co-morbidities and a higher ASA grade. The risk of morbidity was lower in the younger group (RR 0.58 (95% CI 0.58-0.59)) with a slightly lower risk of conversion (RR 0.96 (0.94-0.98)) Length of stay was significantly longer for the elderly patients. Differences in mortality and bile duct injury were non-significant in all but one study. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and effective in the extreme elderly. Higher complication rates are predominantly related to increased co-morbidities and more complex gallbladder disease. Patients should be carefully selected, and cholecystectomy performed at an earlier stage to minimize these problems.

Cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in octogenarians: impact of advanced age on postoperative outcome

BACKGROUND

The number of surgical operations in elderly patients is increasing due to the aging demographics of western populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the peri-operative outcome of octogenarian patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis including all patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis from January 2013 to December 2017. Records were collected prospectively from two centers: 1) Unit of Emergency Surgery, St. Orsola University Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna; 2) "Advanced Surgical Technologies" Department of Surgical Sciences, Umberto I University Hospital, La Sapienza University, Rome. Patients were divided by age (≥ or <80 years) and peri-operative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

During the study period, 464 patients were operated for acute cholecystitis in the two centers. Sixty-three (14%) patients were octogenarians (group 1) and median age was 84.8±3.9 years. Four hundred and one patients (86%) were younger than 80 years (group 2) with median age of 55.3±15.3 years. Forty-four per cent of group-1 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus 81% of the younger group (P<0.01). Elderly patients had a higher percentage of overall complications (25% vs. 9%; P=0.03) and a longer median postoperative length of stay (7.2±6.8 vs. 4.6±7.7; P=0.04). Overall mortality was 1%: two patients died in group-1 and one in group-2 (P=0.50). However, on multivariate analysis age older than 80 years was not found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in octogenarians is a relatively safe procedure with an acceptable risk of complications and a postoperative hospital stay comparable to younger ones.

Assessment of clinical outcome of cholecystectomy according to age in preparation for the "Silver Tsunami"

BACKGROUND

Recent rapid increases in the aging population have created an impending "Silver Tsunami" in advanced countries. The overall prevalence of gallstone disease and its related complications will soon increase, and there will be a larger demand for gallbladder surgery.

METHODS

We examined the outcomes of cholecystectomy according to age among patients with cholelithiasis to determine how a patient's age influences the outcome of cholecystectomy. All patients with gallstone disease who presented for cholecystectomy at our institute from January 2006 to December 2018 were analyzed.

RESULTS

All perioperative outcomes (operation length, length of hospital stay, rate of open surgery, urgent surgery, postoperative complications, incidental gallbladder cancer, postoperative hospital death, concomitant bile duct stones, and total medical costs per patient) increased as patients aged.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent the progression of biliary disease, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended before patients with cholelithiasis advance in age.

Feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients: A single institution, retrospective case series

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) for uncomplicated gallbladder in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 810 patients undergoing SILC from May 2009 to October 2016 at Osaka Police Hospital was performed, and the outcomes of the patients aged < 80 years and the patients ≥ 80 years were compared.

RESULTS

The median operative times of patients <80 years and patients ≥80 years were 100 min and 110 min, respectively (p = 0.4). The conversion rates to a different operative procedure (multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy or open cholecystectomy) were 3% (22/763) of patients < 80 years and 0% of patients ≥ 80 years (p = 0.6). Perioperative complications were seen in 6% (46/763) of patients < 80 years and 17% (8/47) of patients ≥ 80 years (p < 0.05). Pneumonia was seen in 0% (0/763) of patients < 80 years and 4% (3/47) of patients ≥ 80 years (p < 0.05). There was no mortality in either group. The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 days for patients <80 years and 5 days for patients ≥80 years (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SILC for uncomplicated gallbladder could be performed for patients ≥ 80 years with acceptable morbidity and mortality as compared with the previous reports, though the complication rate of patients ≥ 80 years was higher than that of patients < 80 years.

Age-related differences pre-, intra-, and postcholecystectomy: A retrospective cohort study of 6,868 patients

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy (CCY) is increasingly performed in older individuals. We sought to examine age-related differences in pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors at a community hospital, using a very large, single-institution cholecystectomy database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 6868 patients who underwent CCY from 2001 to 2013 was performed. ROC analysis identified the optimal age cutoff when complications reached a significant inflection point (<55 and ≥55 years). Multiple clinical features and outcomes were measured and compared by age. Logistic regression was used to examine how well a set of covariates predicted postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Older patients had significantly higher rates of comorbidities and underwent more extensive preoperative imaging. Intraoperatively, older patients had more blood loss, longer operative times, and more open operations. Postoperatively, older patients experienced more complications and had significantly different pathological findings. While holding age and gender constant, regression analyses showed that preoperative creatinine level, blood loss and history of previous operation were the strongest predictors of complications. The risk for developing complications increased by 2% per year of life.

CONCLUSION

Older patients have distinct pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics. Their care is more imaging- and cost-intensive. CCY in this population is associated with higher risks, likely due to a combination of comorbidities and age-related worsened physiological status. Pathologic findings are significantly different relative to younger patients. While removing the effect of age, preoperative creatinine levels, blood loss, and history of previous operation predict postoperative complications. Quantifying these differences may help to inform management decisions for older patients.

[Not Available]

OBJECTIVES

Database review to analyse age and sex differences in complication and conversion rates and influence on return to normal daily activities and work after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

658 patients had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for proven gallstones between 9/4/2001 and 15/2/2006 under the care of one surgeon (F. H.) at Benenden hospital, Kent, UK.

RESULTS

We had a 65.5% response rate with 431 replies at a mean follow up of 22.4 months (2.3-52.8). There was a male to female ratio of 5:23 with a mean age of 54.2 years (22-83). Using linear regression we found no significant correlation with operative time and variables of age and sex (df = 2, 251, R (2) = 0.03, F = 0.574, p < 0.564). No significant correlation with number of complications and age or sex (df = 2, 334, R (2) = 0.004, F = 1.615, p < 0.200). Age (Exp(B) = 1.040, p < 0.51) and sex (Exp(B) = 0.863, p < 0.855) had no effect on conversion. No difference was found in relation to age and sex with return to normal daily activities (df = 2, 307, F = 0.904, p < 0.406). Age was a non-significant predictor of return to work (Beta = 0.040, p < 0.572) however men return to work significantly sooner (Beta = 0.191, p < 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Operative time, number of complications, conversion to open and return to normal daily activities may not be affected by age or sex of patients. Hospital stay may be longer in older patients. Men appear to return to work sooner. Further analysis with validated questionnaires are required.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients: an evaluation of immunity

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on the inflammatory response and immunological function of elderly patients compared with that on the younger ones.

METHODS

Between June 2012 and June 2013, this prospective study investigated a total of 112 patients having the surgery of LC due to symptomatic cholelithiasis or polyps, among whom 52 were elderly patients with the age beyond 65 years old and the remaining 60 were younger than the age. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from these patients prior to surgery and on post-operative days 1, 3 and 7, respectively. The perioperative clinical outcomes and immunological function results were analyzed and compared between the two groups divided by age.

RESULTS

The demographics of the two groups did not differ except for the age. Surgical trauma seemed more serious for elderly patients as illustrated by the longer operating time, hospital stay and more quantity of patients got complication. Both groups indicated changes in inflammatory and immune aspects. Compared with the younger ones, elderly patients showed less quantity of preoperative basic immune cells, delayed immune responses after the surgical trauma of LC and hyporeactivity of inflammatory response when accepting LC.

CONCLUSIONS

An examination of the inflammatory reaction and immune response after LC demonstrated that there are significant differences observed in two groups divided by age. Further studies with more samples are required to determine the exact relationship of perioperative immune change and higher adverse outcome rate of aged people.

Do elderly patients have the most to gain from laparoscopic surgery?

Populations are aging worldwide, people are living longer, and the surgical needs of elderly patients are rising. Laparoscopic techniques have become more common with improved training, surgeon skill and evidence of improved outcomes. Benefits of laparoscopy include decreased blood loss, postoperative pain, and hospital length of stay; improved mobilization, quicker return to normal activity; and fewer pulmonary, thrombotic, and abdominal wall complications. Indeed, for many common pathologies laparoscopy has become the gold standard, unless contraindicated. It has been questioned as to whether elderly patients can reap the same benefits from laparoscopic surgery. The concern in elderly patients is that physiologic demands may outweigh the benefit seen in younger patients. This question stems from concerns related to longer operative times, increased technical challenge, as well as the impact of physiologic demands of pneumoperitoneum and patient positioning. However, with anesthesia and adequate perioperative cardiac care, there is no evidence that these factors lead to worse clinical outcomes in elderly patients. In contrast, perhaps elderly patients - with increased prevalence of multi-morbidity, geriatric syndromes and diminished physiologic reserve - have the most to gain from a laparoscopic approach.

[Improvement of treatment results of acute cholecystitis]

The aim of this study was investigation of treatment results of acute cholecystitis according to suggested forms of cholecystitis by international experts in the research (Tokyo-2007). It was analyzed the immediate treatment results of 1399 patients with acute cholecystitis for the last 4 years in the Chelyabinsk Regional Hospital No3. 912 patients had acute cholecystitis I degree (easy cholecystitis), 270 patients--II (moderate) degree and 217 patients--III degree (severe cholecystitis). It was operated 1281 patients. Operating activity was 91.5%. Postoperative mortality in whole patients group was 0.78%. The authors suggested the main principles such as early, differentiated by the volume operative interventions according to graduations of investigation "Tokyo-2007". Controlled trial of treatment results of patients randomized on three degrees of acute cholecystitis observed appropriateness of allocation of these groups. It is necessary for differentiated treatment and improvement of treatment results of patients with acute cholecystitis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients aged 80 years and older: an analysis of 111 patients

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of cholelithiasis increases with age. More octogenarian (≥80 y) patients are undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) operation throughout the world.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients older than 80 years (group 1: 111 patients) and those in the 18 to 79 years age group (group 2: 185 patients), who underwent LC between July 2005 and October 2009. The variables analyzed were the presentation, demographics, comorbid illnesses, American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) scores, history of previous abdominal surgery, the operative time, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and the length of hospital stay. A comparison was made between the two groups. Data was evaluated by using the χ and the Fisher exact test. P<0.005 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The difference in both groups in the mean age and ASA scores were significant. The indication for LC was gallstone disease in 87 (78.4%) patients, acute cholecystitis in 16 (14.4%), and gallstone pancreatitis in 8 (7.2%) of group 1 patients. The conversion rate was not statistically significant. The mean operative time was 77 minutes in group 1 patients, and this was significantly longer than that of group 2 patients. The postoperative oral intake within 24 hours of surgery was significantly earlier in group 2 patients. Other parameters were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

LC in octogenarians is a relatively safe procedure that can be performed with low morbidity and mortality rates. The comorbidities and higher ASA scale are major risk factors for postoperative complications in this age group of patients.

Outcomes of cholecystectomy for treatment of acute cholecystitis in octogenarians

BACKGROUND

The independent influence of advanced age on outcomes in contemporary series treated by early cholecystectomy is undetermined.

METHODS

Elderly patients, aged 80 years and older, with histology proven acute cholecystitis treated by cholecystectomy on initial presentation between 2005 and 2011 were compared to all others.

RESULTS

In total, 411 patients had histologically proven acute cholecystitis, of whom 71 (17%) were aged 80 years and older. Elderly patients were more likely to have ischaemic heart disease, underlying diabetes and chronic renal failure. There was greater conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery in the elderly (21% versus 7%; P = 0.001). Elderly patients were more likely to have gangrenous cholecystitis (44% versus 31%; P = 0.033) and common bile duct stones (27% versus 17%; P = 0.048). Elderly patients had more complications (31% versus 13%; P < 0.001), a higher mortality rate (4% versus 1%; P = 0.038) and a longer median post-operative length of stay (7 days versus 3 days; P < 0.001). Age ≥ 80 (P = 0.004) was an independent risk factors for complications.

CONCLUSION

Age 80 years and older is independently associated with increased morbidity following cholecystectomy for treatment acute cholecystitis at initial presentation.

Changing approaches to cholecystectomy in elderly patients: a 10-year retrospective study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of symptomatic gallbladder diseases increases with age. The present study evaluated cholecystectomy risk factors and hospital resource utilization in an elderly (aged 60 years and older) population of patients who had undergone open cholecystectomy (OC) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

The study analyzed 20,538 OC and 29,318 LC procedures performed in Taiwan from 1996 to 2007. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were calculated to assess the relative change rate. Regression models were employed to predict length of stay (LOS) and total surgical cost.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics associated with increased likelihood of undergoing LC were age 60-69 years, female gender, and lack of current co-morbidities. Length of stay associated with both OC and LC decreased during the study period. Total surgical cost for elderly OC patients increased during the study period, whereas that for elderly LC patients declined. Compared to OC patients, LC patients had significantly larger changes in LOS (-2.27 days) and total surgical cost ($ -368.64 U.S. dollars) (p < 0.001). The following factors were associated with considerable increases in both LOS and total surgical cost: advanced age, female gender, presence of one or more co-morbidities, treatment in a regional or a district hospital, and long LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreases in hospital resource utilization were larger in elderly LC patients than in elderly OC patients. Health care providers and patients should observe that hospital resource utilization may depend on hospital attributes as well as patient attributes. These analytical results should be applicable to similar elderly populations in other countries.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients

Laparoscopic surgery can be safely applied in the elderly. Complications can be minimized by carefully selecting patients aged 80 years or older and operating on these patients with experienced teams with good technical capabilities.

Background and Objective:

In this study, we investigated whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, is advantageous in elderly patients.

Methods:

Data from 595 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2003 and December 2007 were prospectively collected in a database. The patients were separated into 2 groups; patients >70 years of age (group A), and patients <70 years of age (group B). Group A was further divided into 3 subgroups, ages 70 to 74, 75 to 79, and 80 and above. Comparison between the groups was made with Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests where appropriate.

Results:

ASA scores increased in conjunction with increased age (P<0.001). Of patients with an operative time longer than one hour, 26 patients aged 70 or older, and 152 patients aged 69 or younger had no difference with respect to PaCO₂ and pH measurements (P>0.05). In patients aged 80 or older, the rates of acute cholecystitis, conversion to open surgery, and postoperative complications were significantly higher than in other groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

We believe that in elderly patients, laparoscopic surgery can be applied safely without further increasing the surgical risks. The complications can be minimized by carefully selecting the patients aged 80 or older and by experienced teams with high technical capabilities operating on such patients.

[The development of laparoscopic technology in light of cholecystectomies performed between 1994 and 2007]

The spread of laparoscopy has required surgeons to familiarize with a completely new surgical method and by today this method has clearly become of major importance in gastrointestinal surgery. The evolution of laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers many good lessons to learn for the purposes of advanced laparoscopic surgeries and surgeons may benefit from this experience in any process of introducing new minimal invasive techniques.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

We have made a retrospective analysis of the data of the cholecystectomies made in the 1st. Department of Surgery, Semmelweis University, right after laparoscopy had become a widely spread, routine surgical method (1994) as well as 13 years later (2007). The data have been processed using the SPSS 16.0 application package. Significance levels have been established with the chi-square probe.

RESULTS

Within the analyzed timeframe we could clearly see a growing use of laparoscopic techniques (52.09% vs. 90.13%) with a growing number of cases (263/304), unchanged average age (approximately 53.5 years) and constant male/female ratio (75/25%). The BMI increased moderately (26.5 vs. 27.6), but the frequency of laparoscopic interventions on extremely obese patients grew (BMI: 25-30 37.93% vs. 44.39%, 30-35 13.79% vs. 20.6% 35-40 6.89% vs. 5.82% and 40 \lt; 0% vs. 1.34%) while the postoperative hospitalization decreased dramatically from 5.9 days to 2.3. In year 1994, patients spent on the average 2.9 days in hospital after a laparoscopic surgery, while in year 2007 nearly 25% of the patients left the hospital 1 day after surgery. The duration of a laparoscopic surgery decreased from 78 minutes to 53, and the occurrence of intraoperative bleeding, gall bladder perforation and gallstone spillage also decreased. The conversion ratio increased from 2.7% to 4.9%. In 3% of the laparoscopic cholecystectomies (10 patients) only 3 ports were used during surgery.

DISCUSSION

As surgeons have come to master the new technique, the previous relative and absolute pros and cons have been revised and at present 90% of cholecystectomies are made using laparoscopy. The data collected in the analysis of laparoscopic techniques can be used to research, learn and eventually introduce Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery.

Systematic review of cholecystostomy as a treatment option in acute cholecystitis

OBJECTIVES

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is an established low-mortality treatment option for elderly and critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis. The primary aim of this review is to find out if there is any evidence in the literature to recommend PC rather than cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in the elderly population.

METHODS

In April 2007, a systematic electronic database search was performed on the subject of PC and cholecystectomy in the elderly population. After exclusions, 53 studies remained, comprising 1918 patients. Three papers described randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but none compared the outcomes of PC and cholecystectomy. A total of 19 papers on mortality after cholecystectomy in patients aged >65 years were identified.

RESULTS

Successful intervention was seen in 85.6% of patients with acute cholecystitis. A total of 40% of patients treated with PC were later cholecystectomized, with a mortality rate of 1.96%. Procedure mortality was 0.36%, but 30-day mortality rates were 15.4 % in patients treated with PC and 4.5% in those treated with acute cholecystectomy (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There are no controlled studies evaluating the outcome of PC vs. cholecystectomy and the papers reviewed are of evidence grade C. It is not possible to make definitive recommendations regarding treatment by PC or cholecystectomy in elderly or critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis. Low mortality rates after cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis have been reported in recent years and therefore we believe it is time to launch an RCT to address this issue.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in octogenarian patients. A comparative study between two geriatric population groups]

INTRODUCTION

In the current article, we analyse the results and complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in octogenarian patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Retrospective study in patients older than 80 years, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2002 and August 2007. Variables analysed were presentation, physical condition, anaesthetic risk, conversion rate, morbidity and hospital stay. A comparison was made with patients aged between 70 and 79 years old. The chi(2) and Student's t tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was defined as a p value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients were operated on, of which 39 (63%) were women and 25 men, with a mean age 83.7 years. Surgery was scheduled in 40 (62.5%) cases and urgent in 24 cases. The conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 10.9% and the average hospital stay was 3.9 days. Two patients required re-intervention and two patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis in octogenarians. The laparoscopic approach should be considered for the management of acute cholecystitis in the very old (except where contraindicated) before the development of complications.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients aged 80 and over]

INTRODUCTION

The increasing aging of the population also increases the prevalence of symptomatic gallbladder diseases. It is important to analyse their surgical treatment in the elderly.

METHODS

All the laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in our surgery department on patients aged 80 years-old or over from 1992 to 2007 were included in this study.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on 133 patients 80 years-old and over, with 63% of them women, and an average age of 83.23 years. Biliary colic (29%) and acute pancreatitis (44%) were the main reasons for surgery. Associated diseases were found in 73% of them. Only 7.5% needed urgent surgery, even although 71% were admitted urgently. There were 13.5% conversions to open surgery, 17% morbidity and 2.3% mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be recommended in symptomatic gallbladder disease in the elderly.

Outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not influenced by chronological age in the elderly

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients aged 80 years and older.

METHODS: A total of 353 patients aged 65 to 79 years (group 1) and 35 patients aged 80 years and older (group 2) underwent LC. Patients were further classified into two other groups: those with uncomplicated gallbladder disease (group A) or those with complicated gallbladder disease (group B).

RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the age groups (groups 1 and 2) with respect to clinical characteristics such as age, gender, comorbid disease, or disease presentation. Mean operative time, conversion rate, and the incidence of major postoperative complications were similar in groups 1 and 2. However, the percentage of high-risk patients was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (20.0% vs 5.7%, P < 0.01). Group A comprised 322 patients with a mean age of 71.0 ± 5.3 years, and group B comprised 51 patients with a mean age of 69.9 ± 4.8 years. In group B, mean operative time (78.4 ± 49.3 min vs 58.3 ± 35.8 min, P < 0.01), mean postoperative hospital stay (7.9 ± 6.5 d vs 5.0 ± 3.7 d, P < 0.01), and the incidence of major postoperative complications (9.8% vs 3.1%, P < 0.05) were significantly greater than in group A. The conversion rate tended to be higher in group B, but this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION: Perioperative outcomes in elderly patients who underwent LC seem to be influenced by the severity of gallbladder disease, and not by chronologic age. In octogenarians, LC should be performed at an earlier, uncomplicated stage of the disease whenever possible to improve perioperative outcomes.

Male gender is not a risk factor for the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a single surgeon experience

BACKGROUND/AIM

Previous studies regarding the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in men have reported inconsistent findings. We conducted this prospective study to test the hypothesis that the outcome of LC is worse in men than women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1997 and 2002, a total of 391 consecutive LCs were performed by a single surgeon at King Fahd Hospital of the University. We collected and analyzed data including age, gender, body mass index (kg/m(2)), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, mode of admission (elective or emergency), indication for LC (chronic or acute cholecystitis [AC]), comorbid disease, previous abdominal surgery, conversion to open cholecystectomy, complications, operation time, and length of postoperative hospital stay.

RESULTS

Bivariate analysis showed that both genders were matched for age, ASA class and mode of admission. The incidences of AC (P = 0.003) and comorbid disease (P = 0.031) were significantly higher in men. Women were significantly more obese than men (P < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of previous abdominal surgery (P = 0.017). There were no statistical differences between genders with regard to rates of conversion (P = 0.372) and complications (P = 0.647) and operation time (P = 0.063). The postoperative stay was significantly longer in men than women (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender was not an independent predictor of conversion (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.37 and P = 0.43) or complications (OR = 0.42, P = 0.42). Linear regression analysis showed that male gender was not an independent predictor of the operation time, but was associated with a longer postoperative stay (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Male gender is not an independent risk factor for satisfactory outcome of LC in the experience of a single surgeon.

Considerations concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the extremely elderly

BACKGROUND

Since octogenarians become a growing part of the population and surgical care is possible in them, this study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients 80 years of age and over.

METHODS

From June 1993 to May 2006, a total of 1263 patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, applying the four-trocar American technique; 21 among them were >/=80 years. We retrospectively reviewed patients' age, gender, indication for surgery, comorbid conditions, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, conversion to open procedure, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The mean age in the >/=80 group was 82.5+/-3 and 57% were women, while in the <80 group 72% of patients were women. Recurrent biliary colic was the most frequent (62%) indication for surgery among the elderly patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy were performed preoperatively in 6 elderly patients (29%); there were 4 cases of acute calculus pancreatitis and 2 cases of acute cholangitis. A high surgical risk (ASA score of III and IV) was estimated in 11 patients (52%) from the >/=80 group versus 32% in the <80 group (P =0.047). Conversion rate was higher (19%) and hospital stay was longer (4.9 days) in the >/=80 group, compared to younger patients (P =0.01). Mortality was zero and morbidity was 14% versus 3% in the <80 group (P =0.03), including 1 case of postoperative bleeding, 1 case of wound infection, and 1 case of pulmonary atelectasis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the extremely elderly is safe and well tolerated; however, it is associated with a higher conversion rate, increased morbidity, and a longer hospital stay.

Role of prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis due to transient common bile duct obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The role of prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with transient common bile duct obstruction is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the value of performing prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients suffering from acute biliary pancreatitis and absent common bile duct stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS

Hospital notes of patients admitted to our unit with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis from January 2000 to January 2005 were reviewed. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed when patients were deemed unfit for cholecystectomy, suffering from a severe attack of acute pancreatitis and/or showing evidence of transient common bile duct obstruction. The outcomes of patients with and without endoscopic sphincterotomy were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 427 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis during the study period. Eighty-eight patients with absent common bile duct stones on ERCP were identified. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 71 patients and not performed in 17 patients. There was no significant difference in recurrent pancreatitis rates (1.4% vs 5.8%, P = 0.35), recurrent biliary complication rates (5.6% vs 5.9%, P = 1) or mortality rates (5.8% vs 1.5%, P = 0.35). The time to recurrent complications (38.4 days vs 41.0 days, P = 0.38) was not significantly different between the two groups. There was no ERCP-related morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy is not recommended in patients with transient common bile duct obstruction or as an option to cholecystectomy in elderly patients. Early cholecystectomy should be performed.