Laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy in the elderly?

To evaluate prospectively the morbidity, mortality, complication rate and length of hospital stay for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or open cholecystectomy (OC) aged > 65 years, we conducted a clinical study. In a two year period, 175 patients > 65 years, undergoing surgery for symptomatic cholelithiasis, were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique performed. Demographic and comorbid disease were similar between the groups. Although mean duration of surgery was significantly longer for the LC group, the incidence of mild and moderate complications was significantly higher in the OC group. Additionally, the shorter hospital stay and faster return to physical activity in the LC group suggest that LC is better suited for this susceptible group of patients.