Age and sex differences in complications and convalescence after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objectives: Database review to analyse age and sex differences in complication and conversion rates and influence on return to normal daily activities and work after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: 658 patients had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for proven gallstones between 9/4/2001 and 15/2/2006 under the care of one surgeon (F. H.) at Benenden hospital, Kent, UK. Results: We had a 65.5% response rate with 431 replies at a mean follow up of 22.4 months (2.3–52.8). There was a male to female ratio of 5:23 with a mean age of 54.2 years (22–83). Using linear regression we found no significant correlation with operative time and variables of age and sex (df = 2, 251, R2 = 0.03, F = 0.574, p < 0.564). No significant correlation with number of complications and age or sex (df = 2, 334, R2 = 0.004, F = 1.615, p < 0.200). Age (Exp(B) = 1.040, p < 0.51) and sex (Exp(B) = 0.863, p < 0.855) had no effect on conversion. No difference was found in relation to age and sex with return to normal daily activities (df = 2, 307, F = 0.904, p < 0.406). Age was a non-significant predictor of return to work (Beta = 0.040, p < 0.572) however men return to work significantly sooner (Beta = 0.191, p < 0.007). Conclusions: Operative time, number of complications, conversion to open and return to normal daily activities may not be affected by age or sex of patients. Hospital stay may be longer in older patients. Men appear to return to work sooner. Further analysis with validated questionnaires are required.