Laparoscopy experience in East, Central, and Southern Africa: insights from operative case volume analysis

• DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-10960-2
• Publication Date: 2024-06-18T17:01:36Z
• Authors: Yves Yankunze; Michael M. Mwachiro; June Owino Lando; Niraj Bachheta; Deirdre Mangaoang; Abebe Bekele; Robert K. Parker
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; General Surgery; Humans; Appendectomy; Laparoscopy; Africa, Central; Africa, Eastern; Article; Africa, Southern; Herniorrhaphy

Abstract Background With the primary objective of addressing disparity in global surgical care access, College Surgeons East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) trains surgeons. While sufficient operative experience is crucial for training, extent utilization minimally invasive techniques during COSECSA training remains understudied. Methods We conducted an extensive review general surgery trainees' case logs from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, focusing on procedures. Our was determine prevalence laparoscopic procedures compare this open analyzed distribution cases across common indications such as cholecystectomy, appendicitis, hernia operations. Additionally, we examined impact trainee autonomy, country development index, hospital type laparoscopy utilization. Results Among 68,659 total cases, only 616 (0.9%) were Notably, 34 external rotations countries like United Kingdom, Germany, India. Gallbladder appendix pathologies most frequent among 582 recorded performed Africa. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy accounted 29% (276 975 cases), appendectomy 3% (76 2548 repairs 0.5% (26 5620 cases). Trainees self-reported lower autonomy (22.5%) than (61.5%). Laparoscopy usage more prevalent upper-middle-income (2.7%) lower-middle-income (0.8%) compared with lower-income (0.5%) ( p < 0.001). Private (1.6%) faith-based hospitals (1.5%) showed greater public Conclusions The study highlights relatively low within ECSA region. remain a minority, variations observed based specific diagnoses. findings suggest need enhance exposure ensure well-rounded proficiency these techniques.