ABSTRACT
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.
