Laparoscopy as a Diagnostic Method in Internal Medicine: Experiences with 168 Procedures at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania

Abstract

One hundred and sixty-eight laparoscopies, performed for various indications between 1985 and 1989, were studied retrospectively and the findings and experiences are reported. The most frequent diagnoses were hepatocellular carcinoma (20%) and liver cirrhosis (18%). Correlation of macroscopic and histopathological diagnosis was satisfactory in hepatocellular carcinoma (74%) and poor in liver cirrhosis (38%). Laparoscopy was judged diagnostic in 45%, diagnostically helpful in 20% and non-contributory in 35% of all cases. The highest yield was obtained in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis, the poorest results in obstructive jaundice. It is concluded that for optimum diagnostic outcome the indication for laparoscopy should be strict and that it should be practised only in those centres where experienced clinicians and competent histopathologists are available.