title: Early experience with laparoscopic surgery in children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopy is not yet routinely employed in many Paediatric Surgical Units in Nigeria despite the advantages it offers. This study describes the preliminary experience with laparoscopic procedures in a single centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of all children who had laparoscopic surgery between January 2009 and December 2013 at the Paediatric Surgical Unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile-Ife was carried out. Their sociodemographic, preoperative and intraoperative data along with postoperative records were subjected to descriptive analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven (44%) diagnostic and 14 (56%) therapeutic procedures were performed on 25 children whose age ranged from 5 months to 15 years (Median: 84 months, Mean: 103 ± 64.1 months), including eight (32%) females and 17 (68%) males. Indications included acute appendicitis in 12 (48%), intra-abdominal masses in six (24%), three (12%) disorders of sexual differentiation, two (8%) ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunctions and impalpable undescended testes in two (8%) children. The procedures lasted 15-90 minutes (Mean = 54 (±21.6) minutes). Conversion rate was 17% for two patients who had ruptured retrocaecal appendices. No intra operative complications were recorded while three (12%) patients had superficial port site infections post-operatively. All diagnostic (11) and two therapeutic procedures were done as day case surgery. The mean duration of hospital stay was 3.1 (±3.3) days for those who had appendectomies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic surgery in children is safe and feasible in our hospital. We advocate increased use of laparoscopy in paediatric surgical practice in Nigeria and similar developing settings.
authors: Department of Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State 220005, Nigeria.
authors: Ademola Olusegun
authors: AO
authors: Talabi
authors: Adewale Oluseye
authors: AO
authors: Adisa
authors: Olufemi
authors: O
authors: Adefehinti
authors: Oludayo Adedapo
authors: OA
authors: Sowande
authors: Amarachukwu Chiduziem
authors: AC
authors: Etonyeaku
authors: Olusanya
authors: O
authors: Adejuyigbe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome