Awareness and Practice of Laparoscopic Surgery among Trainee Surgeons in Nigerian Tertiary Hospitals

The advent of laparoscopy has been a notable landmark in surgery; however, there is a slow progress to widespread utilization in West Africa.

To study the awareness and practice of laparoscopic surgery among trainee surgeons in Nigerian tertiary hospitals while highlighting measures to mitigate challenges.

A cross-sectional study conducted during a 2-week West African College of Surgeons update course in September 2018 at Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was distributed to registered trainee surgeons for completion. Data collated included demographics, cognitive knowledge, common procedures in centres, referrals, routine practice, performing laparoscopic surgeon, and routine practice. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20 Armonk NY USA.

There were 184 registered trainee surgeons with 80 respondents from 26 Nigerian tertiary health facilities. The age range was 29 -51 years (mean 35.0 ± 4.4) and a mean training duration of 3.3 years (R2= 0.12). Seven (63.6%) senior registrars and 54(76.3%) registrars were reported as first assistants in laparoscopic surgeries performed but no unassisted surgery. Four (15.4%) represented centres had no laparoscopy equipment or expertise. A non-referral rate of 52/80(65.0%) for laparoscopic surgery was recorded.

Laparoscopic surgery is practiced in some Nigerian tertiary hospitals with trainee surgeons actively involved in performing these surgeries. However, there is limited unassisted experience by trainee surgeons in the basic laparoscopic surgeries predominantly performed.