Intraoperative Bleeding Complications Leading to Blood Transfusions (BloTs) in 17,412 Cholecystectomies in Finland: A Study With Special Reference to Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cholelithiasis (Chole) is one of the most common diseases needing operative management worldwide. However, there are few studies assessing the intraoperative bleeding (IOB) complications leading to blood transfusions (BloTs) in elderly patients with cholecystectomy (Ccy). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Outcome after IOB complications and need for BloTs in a cohort of 17,412 patients with Ccys were assessed with special reference to elderly Ccy patients. RESULTS: A total of 17,412 patients underwent Ccy and 11% of Ccy patients (1,856/17,412) were aged ≥75 years. The Ccy patients ≥75 years underwent more often emergency/open Ccys. Red blood cell BloTs were administered five times more often to Ccy patients ≥75 years versus Ccy patients <75 years (13% versus 2.6%, p<0.001). In Ccys by emergency surgery indications, the need for BloTs was four times higher in Ccy patients ≥75 years versus Ccy patients <75 years (5.5% versus 1.3%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The elderly Chole patients have a higher risk than younger Chole patients for perioperative IOB complications and thus are more likely to need BloTs.