Can an 87-year-old elderly person undergo surgery for gallstones?

An 87-year-old patient with gallstones may undergo surgery if their physical condition tolerates the procedure. However, if the patient's health is poor and surgical risks are high, surgery is generally not recommended. The details are as follows:

Gallstones refer to a condition where stones form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Repeated irritation from the stones may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and vomiting. Patients experiencing recurrent symptoms typically require surgical treatment. For an 87-year-old patient with gallstones who is otherwise in good health, surgery is usually feasible. It is recommended to follow medical advice and consider minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for stone removal. Postoperative care should include adequate rest and proper nutritional support.

However, if the elderly patient is in poor health and unable to tolerate surgery, or has contraindications such as active infection or severe chronic illnesses, surgery is generally not advisable. In such cases, it is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as dehydrocholic acid tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, or indomethacin capsules to help relieve pain.

If gallstones are suspected, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, confirm the diagnosis, and follow the doctor’s recommendations for appropriate treatment.