TITLE:
Laparoscopy in Gynaecological Cancers: Experience at the Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Isidore Tompeen, Roukaya Fonfatawouo, Michel Mouelle, Junie Yaneu, Cliford Ebong, Loïc Meukem Tatsipie, Julius Dohbit Sama, Esther Ngo Um Meka, Pascal Foumane
KEYWORDS:
Laparoscopy, Gynaecological Cancers, Feasibility, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Laparoscopy has transformed the management of gynecological cancers in developed countries, providing considerable advantages during and after surgical procedures. However, its adoption in sub-Saharan Africa is progressing at a slow pace. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of this technique in a Cameroonian context. Methods: We carried out a retrospective descriptive study at HGOPY, spanning three years from 2022 to 2025. Our analysis included fifty-four patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for gynaecological cancer, representing 29.5% of the 183 patients who were operated on for gynaecological cancer. Results: The average age of the patients was 50 years. The predominant diagnosis was cervical cancer, which comprised 61% of the cases. Endometrial cancer accounted for 33%, while ovarian cancer was less common, making up 6%. The rate of laparo-conversion was recorded at 7.4%, primarily due to difficulties in exposure and the presence of adhesions. The length of hospital stays was less or equal to 2 days in 88.9% of patients. Complications were rare, with just one instance of intraoperative bleeding, resulting in a rate of 1.85%. There were no significant post-operative complications, and no fatalities were reported. Conclusion: Laparoscopy represents a feasible and effective approach for managing gynaecological cancers in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the technical and resource-related challenges faced, it yields positive perioperative results.