The aim of the study was to define the influence of age on the surgical treatment of cancer of the gall bladder. From a population of 731 patients: 104 were over 80 years (14%) and 230 were between 70 ant 80 years (32%). The histological stages T1, T2, T3, T4 were also distributed throughout the various age groups. There were however significantly more in situ lesions before the age of 70 years than after. The incidence of resection was similar in the various age groups but extended right hepatectomy was only carried out in patients under 70 years. The mortality rate was low for patients who underwent surgery for lesions graded Tis, T1 and T2. High survival rates were only obtained in the Tis and T1 patient groups. T2 grade cancers had a significantly improved prognosis when resection was carried out. Duration of survival after bilio-intestinal anastomosis was very short regardless of the age of the patient. In summary, age did not appear to constitute a contraindication to resection for early lesions, but it did have an effect for the lesions graded T1, T2, on the degree of hepatic resection around the gall bladder. Lesions graded Tis were all treated by simple cholecystectomy regardless of age. Patients with T3 or T4 lesions did not benefit from resection, regardless of age, and in these cases the value of bilio-intestinal anastomosis is debatable.