Objective To explore the risk factors for complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients. Methods Three hundred and forty elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our hospital from July 2005 to July 2014 were enrolled.Basic information and clinical history of the patients were collected and recorded retrospectively. The patients were followed up for three months after surgery and treatment outcomes and complications were observed. The patients were divided into complication group and complication- free group,and the risk factors for complications were analyzed. Results Univariate analysis showed that old age,emergency operation,intraoperative blood loss ≥50 ml,gallbladder adhesion,Calot' s triangle adhesion,and history of diabetes mellitus put patients at higher risk of complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy( P < 0. 05). Multivariate analysis showed that old age,operation properties,gallbladder adhesion,Calot's triangle adhesion,and history of diabetes mellitus were risk factors for complications in elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy( P < 0. 05). Conclusion Age,operative approach,gallbladder adhesion,Calot's triangle adhesion,and history of diabetes mellitus are risk factors for complications in elderly patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy.