Page 22 - World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Minimal Access Surgical Experience in Developing Economy:

A Young Trainee Stimulant

Patrick O Igwe

AbstrAct
Background: The utilization of minimal access surgery (MAS) is rising in developing countries. Robotic surgery is rarer. The mirage surrounding
operating with a telescope is completely changing the dimension of surgery. A young trainee finds it difficult to properly perform this surgery.
Aim and objective: This study aimed to elucidate an experience of minimal access surgeons practicing in a developing economy with the hope
of stimulating a young trainee surgeon in the same field of study.
Materials and methods: This was a review of prospectively collected data of cases performed, stored electronically in an Excel spreadsheet
and statistical software, Epi info, from December 2017 to March 2020. This review included laparoscopic procedures, colonoscopies, and
esophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGD) performed by the author in a tertiary hospital and two private centers. It excluded all cases assisted by
the author. The results were analyzed using statistical software, SPSS version 23.
Results: A total of 195 cases were performed. Esophagogastroduodenoscopies consisted of a maximum of 114 cases. This was followed by
colonoscopies (52 cases), and laparoscopy (29 cases). The laparoscopic cases consisted of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (6), diagnostic laparoscopy
(11), laparoscopic appendectomies (8), laparoscopic fundoplication (1), and foreign body retrieval (1). This study showed a gradual shift from
mild to more complex minimal access procedures.
Conclusion: Performing minimal access procedures requires extensive training. Findings from this study will guide a young trainee in a developing
economy to perform the easily available surgery procedures.
Keywords: Developing economy, Experience, Minimal access surgery, Young trainee.
World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery (2021): 10.5005/jp-journals-10033-1433

IntroductIon
Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital,
The utilization of minimal access surgery (MAS) is rising in a Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
1
developing economy. The illusion of performing a surgical Corresponding Author: Patrick O Igwe, Department of Surgery,
procedure with a telescope is currently moving surgical practice University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers
to a new level, especially for surgeons practicing in low- and State, Nigeria, Phone: +234 8035510045, e-mail: igwe_patrick@yahoo.
medium-income countries. A beginner in minimal access surgical com
procedures needs to be abreast of this procedure. Taking steps How to cite this article: Igwe PO. Minimal Access Surgical Experience
to undergo training in minimal access procedures is indeed a in Developing Economy: A Young Trainee Stimulant. World J Lap Surg
very good option. Training is provided by good trainers who will 2021;14(1):20–22.
2
give you the right ergonomics. However, it may be worthwhile Source of support: Nil

to peruse the experience of similar surgeons, especially those Conflict of interest: None
with recent experience on the trend of these procedures in the
developing country. The use of modules, simulators, and trainers
3,4
could be a plus. Using a phone by a young trainee could help procedures, colonoscopies, and esophagogastroduodenoscopies
facilitate learning. 5 (OGD) performed in a tertiary hospital and two private centers in
Nigeria. It excluded all cases that were assisted or observed by the
AIm And objectIve author. The results were analyzed using statistical software, SPSS,
This study aimed to elucidate an experience of minimal access version 23.
surgeons practicing in the developing economy. This may be useful
to a young trainee surgeon. results
A total of 192 cases were performed. OGD consisted of the
mAterIAls And methods highest 114 cases. This was followed by colonoscopies in 52 cases,
This study is a review of prospectively collected data of all then laparoscopy with 26 cases (Fig. 1). The average cost for the
minimal access procedures performed by the author and stored endoscopies was 300 USD, while the average cost of laparoscopic
electronically in an Excel spreadsheet and Epi-info software from procedures was 1500 USD. The laparoscopic cases (Fig. 2) consisted
December 2017 to March 2020. The review included laparoscopic of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 6), diagnostic laparoscopy

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