Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not yet routinely performed in most public tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Objectives: To assess the feasibility and early outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectoy in lle-ife, Nigeria. Method: Consecutive patients who were selected for the procedure from June 2009 through December 2010 at the Ife State Hospital of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife were prospectively studied. Results: Eighteen female (75%) and six male patients had laparoscopic cholecystectomy within the study period. They were aged 19-83years with a mean age of 33.4years. Six (25%) patients had acute calculous cholecystitis while the rest presented with chronic calculous cholecystitis. Their Body Mass Indices ranged from 21 to 32kg/m2. Operation time ranged from 65 to 105 minutes. One procedure (4%) was converted to open due to bleeding from the gallbladder bed. Another patient who had a minor common bile duct injury presented with generalized dull abdominal pain on the sixth postoperative day. She had open repair of the injury over a T-tube. Three patients (12.5%) were discharged on the first postoperative day while 15 (62.5%-) others were discharged on the second postoperative day. No mortality was recorded. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in our setting with outcome comparable to previous pioneering experiences in other African countries centre in spite of resource limitations.