STARTING A LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY PROGRAMME IN THE SECOND LARGEST TEACHING HOSPITAL IN GHANA

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes
• Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background:

• Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana's second-largest hospital, has two years of experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• The study addresses the need to evaluate the early adoption and outcomes of this procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the experience and lessons learned from performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies at KATH.
• To compare outcomes with traditional open cholecystectomy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between 2010 and 2012 at KATH.
• Analysis included leadership support, surgeon training, equipment status, and comparison with open cholecystectomy data.

Main Results:

• 25 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed, with a 4.0% conversion rate and 20.0% complication rate (no major intraoperative injuries).
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy demonstrated significantly shorter length of stay (1.5 days vs. 6.6 days) and comparable complication rates to open surgery.
• Patient satisfaction was high (median score of 5/5), and operative times were slightly longer for the laparoscopic approach.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe at KATH, offering reduced complications and shorter hospital stays.
• Future expansion necessitates incorporating laparoscopic surgery into residency training and public education campaigns in Ghana.