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Prevalence and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Ten Years of Experience in Yaounde
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
National Social Insurance Fund Health Center of Essos (CHE), Yaounde, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
- 1 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 2 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
- 3 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 4 National Social Insurance Fund Health Center of Essos (CHE), Yaounde, Cameroon
- 5 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
- 6 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
- 7 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
- 8 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 9 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
- 10 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- 11 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
- 12 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
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Abstract
Background : Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is the standard treatment for acute appendicitis in high-income countries, but its diffusion in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. Data from Cameroon are scarce. Objective : To assess the prevalence, indications, and outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy in Yaounde. Methods : We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in four referral hospitals in Yaounde from January 2015 to December 2024. Records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were reviewed. Results : Among 478 appendectomies, 236 (49.4%) were laparoscopic. Uncomplicated appendicitis was the main indication (80.1%). The conversion rate was 4.7%. Postoperative complications occurred in 7.2%, mainly surgical site infection. Mean hospital stay was 3.4 ± 2 days. No mortality occurred. Prolonged operative time was significantly associated with conversion (p = 0.001). Conclusion : Laparoscopic appendectomy represents nearly half of appendectomies in major hospitals in Yaounde and shows favorable outcomes. Wider adoption should be encouraged.
KeywordsLaparoscopic AppendectomyPrevalenceConversionSurgical OutcomesCameroon
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