Consent and Quality of Information for Patients in Laparoscopic Surgery at the Academic Hospital Point “G” (Mali)

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of the information provided to patients for their consent to be operated laparoscopically in the "A" surgery service of Point "G" University Hospital in Bamako (Mali). Methodology: The study was transversal, descriptive and prospective from November 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 (14 months). It was performed at the general and laparoscopic surgery department of the Point "G" University Hospital in Bamako. Laparoscopically operated patients in scheduled or emergency programm whom consented the study and answered the questions before and after the surgical procedure were included. Results: One hundred patients were retained. The sex ratio was 4.2 for women. The surgery was scheduled in 93% (programmed surgery) of cases versus 7% (urgent surgery). Gynecological and obstetric surgery was performed in 54%, digestive surgery in 43% and laparoscopic exploration in 3%. The information was provided by surgeons, anesthetists, fellowship and students in respectively 63%, 6%, 11% and 9%. The reflection period before consenting to the act was greater or equal to 3 days in 90%. The media used were found to be suitable in 62%. The information was considered satisfactory preoperatively in 54% and postoperatively in 88%. Patients wanted additional information on post-surgery outcomes in 21%. Conclusion: The establishment of an information system and a free and informed consent form is a prerequisite for the quality of care in laparoscopic surgery.