DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2015.v03i07.002

Pages: 589-592

Learning curve in minimally invasive procedures is initially steep and reaches a plateau only after a while. A Cohort study was conducted in National Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan (May 2013 — April 2015), to determine the learning curve (number of operations required) for laparoscopic anterior abdominal wall hernia repair. It included all consecutive patients with anterior abdominal wall hernia that treated laparoscopically. Outcome measures included the number of operations required to decrease operative time to a steady level and to lessen complication rates. Twenty patients were included; inguinal, and ventral hernias in 14 (70%) and 6 (30%) patients respectively. Study showed that the mean operative time and hospital stay were 72.8± 27.02 minutes and 20.7± 12.9 hours respectively. Operative time was decreased gradually and became steady after 13 cases (P=0.007), and not affected by the type of operation (P=0.01). No postoperative complications were detected. In conclusion the learning curve for laparoscopic anterior abdominal wall hernia repair in the hands of a general surgeon who is experienced in open herniorrhaphy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is around 20 operations.