Pioneering Laparoscopic General Surgery in Nigeria

Background: Laparoscopic Surgery has revolutionized surgical operations due to its unique advantages of a shorter hospital stay, minimal surgical trauma and a better cosmetic outcome. There are a few reports from Nigeria reporting laparoscopic surgery in gynaecology. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no reports on laparoscopic general surgery from Nigeria. We therefore wish to document our experience with laparoscopic general surgery in Nigeria.Patients and Methods: This was a prospective analysis of all consecutive patients presenting for laparoscopic surgery at Adoose Specialist Hospital Jos from June 2008 till date. Results: A total of 24 laparoscopic surgeries were performed during the study period. The mean age of the study population was 39.4± 11.5years with age range of 18 to 65 years. There were 4 males and 20 females (M: F=1:5). The main surgeries performed included cholecystectomy in 13 (54.2%) patients, appendicectomy in 7 (29.2%) and adhesiolysis in 3 (12.5%). There was one conversion in this study giving a conversion rate of 4.1%. Identifiable co-morbid factors were seen in 7 patients (29.2%) Conclusion: Laparoscopic general surgery is feasible in Nigeria; it is a safe and reliable way of conducting abdominal operations that should be encouraged in developing countries.Keywords; laparoscopic general Surgery, safety, Challenges, Nigeri