[Preliminary study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Cameroon].

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Cameroon.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: This retrospective study includes all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in three major hospitals in Cameroon from 2001 to 2009. Charts were reviewed for epidemiological data, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

This study included 52 patients. Their mean age was 45 years (range: 17-71). All had symptomatic gallstones, and 15 presented acute cholecystitis. The rate of conversion to open surgery was 7.7%. No deaths occurred. One patient required reoperation due to cystic duct stump leakage complicated by biliary peritonitis. The average duration of hospitalization was 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we recommend laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones in Cameroon.