Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of anaesthesiologists involved in laparoscopic surgical procedures in Port Harcourt in the last three years. Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has since become gold standard for gallbladder removal. However, the uptake of this mode of care has not been at the same pace in some developing countries as it is in the developed clime. The gradual adoption of laparoscopic surgery practice has witnessed some mortality associated with anaesthesia in low and middle-income countries, and some pioneering practices have reported some apathy from support staff and institutional challenges among others. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among anaesthesiologists of all categories self administered semi-structured questionnaires. Results: Twenty-four (48.0%) were of the opinion that both general and regional anaesthesia could be used for laparoscopic surgery. Forty-eight (96.0%) were inclined to conducting anaesthesia for laparoscopic surgery, and 46 (92.0%) were willing to undergo some more training in anaesthesia for laparoscopic surgery given the opportunity. Forty-six (92.0%) respondents had carried out anaesthesia for laparoscopic surgery in the past. Thirty-two (64.0%) respondents had carried out between 1 to 10 anaesthesia cases for laparoscopic surgery. Conclusion: Majority of respondents demonstrated awareness of anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery. Although there was positive interest among majority of respondents for training and practice of anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery, the actual exposure per case was low.