OBJECTIVE The authors report their experience with 614 laparoscopies performed from 1 January 1996 through 31 December 2005 at the Jeanne EBORI Foundation. The purpose of this study is to show the benefits of laparoscopy for day-to-day gynaecological treatment in developing countries. METHODS We reviewed all laparoscopies performed during this period. RESULTS The women's average age was 26.2 years (range: 16-48 years); 68.6% of the procedures were laparoscopic surgery. The main indication for diagnostic laparoscopy was pelvic pain. We performed laparoscopy surgery for ectopic pregnancies and cystectomies (38.9%). The mean operating time was 35 to 50 minutes for diagnostic and 60 to 150 minutes for surgical laparoscopy. Bleeding was the leading complication (1.4%) followed by ruptured cysts (0.7%) and visceral wounds (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS In view of the public health benefits of this technology, the authors recommend it be acquired in developing countries to improve the therapeutic approach available to their doctors and patients.