Muhammad Umair Rashid, Javaid Iqbal, Haroon Rashid, Asif Nadeem.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients presenting with acute cholecystitis.
J Uni Med Dent Coll Jan ;2(2):1-4.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of wound infection and length of postoperative hospital stay for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients presenting with acute cholecystitis. Study design: Descriptive case series study Settings and duration of study: This study was conducted in surgical departments, Allied & DHQ Hospitals Faisalabad during a 6 months period from Aug, 2009 to Jan, 2010. Methods and Materials: 85 patients over 55 years of age with acute cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. All the patients in the study were subjected to LC during same admission. Preoperative parameters of age and sex were analyzed on the basis of postoperative wound infection and length of postoperative hospital stay. Results: Statistical analysis was done after entering data in SPSS version 10. Mean age was 62.7 with female to male ratio 3.47:1. History of previous abdominal surgery was present in 18 patients. 55 patients were operated within 48 hours and 30 patients after 48 hours from onset of symptoms. Wound infection was seen in 6 patients (4 males and 2 females). Postoperative hospital stay was <2 days in 45 patients and >2 days in 40 patients. Age >65 years, male gender, positive history of previous abdominal surgery, leukocytosis and timing of surgery from onset of symptoms (>48 hours) were found to be the main factors for high morbidity. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. Although there are some factors associated with high risk of wound infection and longer hospital stay. But with good selection of cases and surgical skills, overall morbidity can be reduced. Key Words: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Acute Cholecystitis,

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