Background and objective: The elderly population is gradually increasing due to an increase in the quality of life and therefore the frequency of gall bladder stones in the population is also increasing.VTE is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing gastro–intestinal surgery. The incidence of fatal PE ranges from 0.1% to 0.8% in patients undergoing elective general surgical procedures. Despite wide acceptance of laparoscopic procedures for many general surgical cases, the incidence of VTE is not well defined. In this study we aim to compare the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) in the elderly and younger patients and also outline the prophylaxis strategies based on the calculated risk for VTE as per Caprini Guidelines score.

Materials and method:

160 patients who underwent LC between 2016 to July 2018 at tertiary care hospital. The patients were grouped between (Group A—65–70years, Group B—71–75years,group c–– ≥76 and Group D is less than 65 years).Comparison between the groups was made and results were analysed by using chi–square tests .

Results:

ASA scores were statistically significantly higher in ≥60 years age group ( p<0.001).The rate of experiencing acute cholycystitis with a stone in the gall bladder was significantly higher in 65 years group.Comorbidity was stastically significantly higher in the ≥65years age group(p<0.001).We assessed the risk of VTE for all 120 patients using caprini score and level the risk according to total risk factor.We found that the level of risk a sper caprini score were between moderate to high.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic surgeries may have an increased risk for development of VTE, due to abdominal pressure, reverse trendelberg position as well as prolonged surgery time. Patients with co morbid illness like varicose veins, h/o thromboembolism, may increase the risks of development of thromembolic complications. Assessment of risk postoperativerly and recommendations of VTE prophylaxis is considered in moderate to highest group. Based on the findings of this study, we believe that laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients is a reliable approach that allows patients to benefit from the advantages of minimally invasive surgery without further increasing the risks of surgery.