The operative timing of acute cholecystitis in the aged patients

Abstract

Elderly patients with acute cholecystitis are well recognized as having high morbidity and mortality rate. In this paper, the management of acute cholecystitis in 31 patients 65 years of age and over was studied. Preoperative severe complications such as liver abscess, right subpherenic abscess, shock, toxic dermatitis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were found more frequently in elder aged patients. Early operation was needed in 52% of elder aged patients, while in 17% of younger aged patients.
In the elderly, it seems to be necessary to diagnose acute cholecystitis and to perform early operation as soon as possible.