Two decades of laparoscopic surgery in Brunei Darussalam

Introduction: The introduction of laparoscopic surgery into clinical practice has dramatically changed the field of surgery. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery have less post-operative pain, less impairment of vital functions, a shorter hospital stay, earlier resumption of oral intake and normal activities and, a better cosmesis. The last two decades (1992-2011) have seen a tremendous advancement of laparoscopic surgery in Brunei Darussalam. Materials and Methods: This article reviews the current position of laparoscopic techniques for the most frequently performed procedures in General Surgery and reflects two decades of experience with laparoscopic surgery, in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal conditions in Brunei Darussalam. Results: A total of 4,094 cases of laparoscopic procedures have been performed during this period. The majority of our experience involves laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic appendicectomy, laparoscopic colorectal resections, laparoscopic perforated peptic ulcer repair, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, laparoscopic splenectomy and more recently laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Conclusions: In Brunei Darussalam, we have accumulated 20 years of clinical experience and scientific research with laparoscopic surgery. Given the high success rates achievable by our skilled surgeons, and the high levels of patient satisfaction, laparoscopic surgery has become the patient’s procedure of choice.