Abstract
In debates over the virtues of delayed and early treatment for acute cholecystitis and the pros and cons of operating on the quiescent gallstone, the management of the elderly patient with acute symptoms has been given minimal attention. However, it is this patient who is being seen with increasing frequency in large municipal hospitals. Because of the high proportion of elderly patients and the relatively high incidence of acute biliary tract problems seen in this hospital, we have reviewed our surgical experience with acute cholecystitis over the past ten years. We were particularly interested in the role of cholecystostomy, and this group was reviewed in detail. A second group of patients undergoing definitive surgical procedures was also reviewed for comparison. The results are discussed in the light of previous reports from this hospital and other institutions. Case Materials The records of the San Francisco General Hospital from January 1958 to
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