Taichung Armed Forces General Hospital

The T.A.F.G.H. recently achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a 110-year-old patient, Grandpa You. The patient recovered well after surgery, setting a new hospital record for the oldest patient to undergo a minimally invasive procedure. This accomplishment demonstrates the medical team’s outstanding professionalism and spirit of collaboration.

Grandpa You, a veteran residing in the Taiping area, is described by his family as living a disciplined and cheerful life. Deeply loved by his family, he is affectionately known as the “McDonald’s Grandpa” because they buy him McDonald’s meals every day. Recently, he was admitted to the hospital due to recurring pain in the right upper abdomen and fever. After careful examination and imaging interpretation by Dr. Lin, Meng-Yung from the Gastroenterology Department, he was diagnosed with gallstones complicated by acute cholecystitis. Considering his advanced age and multiple chronic conditions, the surgical risk was high. The hospital promptly assembled a multidisciplinary team—comprising General Surgery, Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Cardiology—led by Dr. Fan, Yang-kuo, to conduct a thorough evaluation. The team decided to proceed with a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Fan explained that in the past, surgery and anesthesia for extremely elderly patients were often avoided due to high risks, with conservative treatments preferred instead. However, with the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques, improved anesthesia safety and comprehensive preoperative assessments, even centenarians can safely undergo surgery when appropriately evaluated. Under close monitoring by the medical team, the operation lasted about one hour with minimal blood loss. The patient remained conscious and was able to eat normally after the procedure, and he was discharged smoothly after five days. This case not only breaks the limits of age in surgery but also highlights the power of modern medical technology and teamwork.

Dr. Lin further noted that this case fully demonstrates the hospital’s maturity in elderly patient care, preoperative risk assessment and multidisciplinary integration. He reminded the public that symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or fever could indicate gallstones and seeking timely medical attention is crucial to prevent serious complications.

Major General Shih, Yu-Lung, Superintendent of the T.A.F.G.H., personally visited Grandpa You and the medical team to express his gratitude and concern for the patient’s recovery. He stated that witnessing the successful completion of a minimally invasive surgery on a patient over 100 years old marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s development of geriatric medical care. He extended his blessings to Grandpa You for longevity and health and paid the highest respect and gratitude to all veteran elders who have served the nation. The hospital will continue to promote age-friendly healthcare and the advancement of minimally invasive surgery, providing safe, professional and compassionate medical services to safeguard the health and well-being of military personnel and civilians in the Greater Taichung area.