Our Summary

The research paper is about the introduction and implementation of laparoscopic surgery (a less invasive type of surgery that uses small incisions and a camera) in a rural hospital in southwestern Nigeria. The researchers looked at medical records of all the patients who had this type of surgery between January 2019 and December 2020 to assess the procedure’s safety and feasibility.

In total, 19 patients underwent laparoscopic surgeries during the study period. The majority of these patients were male, and their ages ranged from 4 to 63 years. The most common reason for the surgery was appendicitis, which accounted for over 80% of the cases. Most of these surgeries were done as emergency procedures, while about a third were planned (elective) procedures. In some cases, the surgery started as a diagnostic procedure but then turned therapeutic (treatment-oriented) after confirming the diagnosis during the operation.

The surgeries took between 40 and 107 minutes, with an average time of about 75 minutes. Importantly, there were no complications during or after the surgeries, and patients usually stayed in the hospital for an average of 2 days.

Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that laparoscopic surgery is safe and doable even in low-resource settings like rural Nigeria. They recommended that hospitals starting to offer laparoscopic surgeries should begin with diagnostic procedures and then gradually include therapeutic procedures as their skill level improves.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common reason for undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the study?
  2. How long did patients usually stay in the hospital after a laparoscopic surgery?
  3. What were the recommendations of the researchers for hospitals starting to offer laparoscopic surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to ask any questions or voice any concerns to the surgical team before the procedure. After the surgery, follow post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery, such as taking prescribed medications, watching for signs of infection, and gradually returning to normal activities as advised by your doctor.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic surgery include those with conditions such as appendicitis, gallbladder disease, hernias, and certain gynecological issues like ovarian cysts or endometriosis. Additionally, patients who are relatively healthy and have a lower risk of complications from surgery are good candidates for laparoscopic procedures.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic surgery:

  • Patient presents with symptoms and undergoes diagnostic tests to determine the need for surgery
  • Surgical team discusses the potential risks and benefits of laparoscopic surgery with the patient
  • Patient undergoes preoperative preparation, which may include fasting, medication adjustments, and other instructions
  • Patient is taken to the operating room, given anesthesia, and prepared for the surgery

After laparoscopic surgery:

  • Surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a camera and specialized instruments to perform the surgery
  • Surgery is completed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape
  • Patient is taken to the recovery room for monitoring and pain management
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital after a short stay, usually within 1-2 days
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns or complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific qualifications and experience do you have in performing laparoscopic surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic surgery?
  3. How long will the surgery take, and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. Will there be any scarring after the surgery, and how can it be minimized?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any potential side effects?
  6. How many similar laparoscopic surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need any special preparation or tests before the surgery?
  8. What post-operative care will be provided, and when can I resume normal activities?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides laparoscopic surgery?
  10. How much will the surgery cost, and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Adumah CC, Mosanya AO, Salami OF, Apata OK, Ogundele IO, Onuoha EC. Journal: West Afr J Med. 2022 May 27;39(5):516-520. PMID: 35633634