Minimal access surgical experience in developing economy: A young trainee stimulant

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.