Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in oldest-old patients: a propensity score matched analysis of a nationwide registry

The role of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) in “oldest-old” patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) is still controversial. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of ELC for ACC in ≥ 85-year-old patients. Multicentric retrospective study that analysed data of patients who underwent ELC for ACC between 2013 and 2018. Patients ≥ 85-year-old (oldest-old patients) were compared with younger patients, before and after propensity score matching (PSM). The main outcomes were mortality, post-operative complications, length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. The study included 1670 patients. The unmatched comparison revealed a selection bias towards the oldest-old group, which was associated with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (5 vs 1, p < 0.001), more ASA III/IV subjects (54.2% vs 19.3%, p < 0.001), class II/III ACC (80.1% vs 69.1%, p = 0.016) and higher Chole-Risk Score (p > 0.001). The oldest-old also required more conversion to open surgery (20% vs 10.3%, p = 0.005). Postoperatively, they had a higher 90-day mortality rate (7.6% vs 1%, p < 0.001), more total complications (40.6% vs 17.7%, p < 0.001), complications ≥ IIIa Clavien–Dindo (14.4% vs 5.8%, p = 0.002), longer LOS (6 vs 5 days, p < 0.001), and more readmissions (6.6% vs 2.6%, p < 0.001). After PSM (n = 206), the two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics and intraoperative outcomes. No differences were observed in post-operative complications; bile leak; incisional, intrabdominal, urinary or respiratory tract infections; LOS or readmissions. In the oldest-old, ELC for ACC is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, it seems to be safe in selected patients. Therefore, age itself should not be regarded as a contraindication to ELC for ACC.