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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 19, No. 1, 2014, pp. 35-40
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Bioline Code: js14006
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2014, pp. 35-40
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Laparoscopic Appendectomy in a Developing African Country
Afuwape, O.; Ayandipo, O.; Ayandipo, O. & Abdurrrazzaaq, A.
Abstract
Background: The wide spread introduction of laparoscopic surgery to surgical practice in
Nigeria is a relatively new development. The benefits of laparoscopic appendicectomy are
controversial. Laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) has always generated controversy due to
its cost and time consuming nature and the multiple trocar points required which arguably
approximates to the length of the incision in open appendicectomy. The purpose of this
study is to describe the unit experience in a developing country.
Method: This is a retrospective study conducted by the laparoscopic surgery unit of the
department of surgery. The study includes all patients who consented to laparoscopic
appendicectomy over a period of eighteen months.
Results: Thirty patients out of a hundred consented to laparoscopic appendicectomy with a
male female ratio of 1:1.5.The mean operating time was 62 minutes. The duration of postoperative
admission ranged from 1 to 7 days with a mean of 2.2days.There was 1(3.3%)
conversion and 1(3.3%) pelvic collection. There was no readmission over three months of
follow up.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendicectomy is safe and allows early discharge. The low
incidence of cholecystectomy in Nigeria compared with the high incidence of appendicitis
in Nigeria supports the adoption of surgery for a different disease entity apart from
cholecystectomy for training (hand and eye coordination). The level of safety demonstrated
in the initial cases of laparoscopic appendicectomy supports adopting LA as a procedure of
choice in acquisition of basic laparoscopic surgery skills.
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© Copyright 2014 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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