Ekani Boukar M1, Biwole D2, Eya Mvondo S2, Nana Oumarou3, Mbele R2, Ousmana O4, Tim F5, Ngwane A1, Bang GA3, Chichom M1, Ngowe N2, Essomba A2.
1- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
2- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon
3- National Social Insurance Fund Health Center of Essos (CHE), Cameroon
4- Faculty of medicine and Biomedical sciences, University of Garoua, Cameroon
5- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Correspondance : Dr Mahamat EKANI BOUKAR
University of Buea, Cameroon. Tel: (+237) 677569797
E-mail: [email protected]
SUMMARY
Background: minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become increasingly available in low- and middleincome countries, yet complications and conversions to open surgery remain important markers of surgical safety and system maturity. This study was to analyze the frequency, types, causes, and outcomes of complications and conversions associated with MIS across hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Material and Methods: a five-year retrospective study (2019–2023) was conducted in ten hospitals across three levels of the health system. All patients who underwent MIS, digestive laparoscopy, gynecologic laparoscopy, or urologic endoscopy were included. Variables collected were complication rate, types and causes of complications, conversion rate, and reasons for conversion.
Results: among 1,046 MIS procedures, the overall complication rate was 5.5%, and the conversion rate was 3.4%. The most frequent complications were surgical site infection, minor bleeding, trocar-related injury, and thermal injury. Causes included difficult visualization, dense adhesions, energy-device injury, trocar-entry difficulties, and vascular bleeding. Conversions were mainly due to adhesions, uncontrolled bleeding, and poor exposure.
Conclusion: MIS in Yaoundé demonstrates low complication and conversion rates comparable to international standards. Strengthening surgeon training, equipment maintenance and availability, and perioperative systems could further improve MIS safety in Cameroon.
Key words: minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy, complication, conversion.