First laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in a tertiary health facility in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A case report

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic surgery as a form of minimal access operation has been performed for decades in the developed world, but is  now gaining popularity in the developing countries including Nigeria. The recent rise in minimal access surgery in low-resource  settings may be attributed to increasing expertise, growing awareness among patients and relatively reducing cost. Case report: Although laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) has been documented from some centres in Nigeria, we  are reporting the first case of this highly-technical surgery in our centre. Mrs. GJ was admitted with second degree uterine prolapse and  had LAVH with a smooth post-operative recovery. She had reduced hospital stay as she was discharged on the first post-operative day  and was satisfied with her choice of surgery as well as the outcome. There were no immediate or late post-operative complications.   Conclusion: The success of this procedure further emphasize the feasibility of minimal access surgery in resource-poor settings.