TITLE:
Prevalence and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Ten Years of Experience in Yaounde
AUTHORS:
Ekani Boukar Mahamat Yannick, Biwole Daniel, Samuel Bate Abam, Nana Oumarou, Eya Mvondo Stephane, Mbele Richard, Tim Fabrice, Ngwane Ntongwetape, Bang Guy Aristide, Chichom Mefire, Ngowe Ngowe Marcellin, Essomba Arthur
KEYWORDS:
Laparoscopic Appendectomy, Prevalence, Conversion, Surgical Outcomes, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.17 No.3,
March
31,
2026
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.