Making laparoscopic surgery affordable and accessible in low- and middle-income countries
Official title: Increasing Accessibility of Laparoscopic Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10454790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable surgery tool that can help hospitals in low-income areas perform less painful and quicker surgeries, making it easier for patients to recover and go home sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $183,065 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA249696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10454790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients in low- and middle-income countries who require abdominal surgeries and would benefit from minimally invasive procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in high-income countries may not benefit from this research as laparoscopic surgery is already widely available and established in those regions.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a low-cost laparoscopic surgery system that can be used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where such technology is currently unavailable. By collaborating with engineers and surgeons, the project focuses on creating a durable laparoscopic system that does not rely on a constant supply of consumable items or electricity. The goal is to reduce the cost of the surgical system to under $200, making it feasible for rural hospitals to perform laparoscopic surgeries. This approach could significantly improve patient outcomes by decreasing pain, shortening recovery times, and reducing hospital stays.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients in LMICs with access to advanced surgical techniques that improve recovery and reduce healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in developing low-cost medical technologies for use in resource-limited settings, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fitzgerald, Tamara N — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Fitzgerald, Tamara N
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.