Objective To study the optimal operation procedure for elderly patients with cholelithiasis. Methods 1395 elderly patients with cholelithiasis,who were more than 65 years old,were treated with operation.1356 cases of them were treated with mini-cholecystectomy(MC). Results MC were performed on 1356 patients successfully(97.2%).The incidence of the operative complication was 2.58%(35/1356).No death occurred.The mean hospital stay was 6.2 days. Conclusions Elderly patients with cholelithiasis must be operated on as early as Possible.Because of minimal invasion and quicker recovery after operation,MC will be the first choice for the treatment of elderly patients with cholelithiasis.