Nigerian surgeon performs groundbreaking robotic prostate surgery – take a look

Nigeria’s health sector has advanced as Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a UK-trained urological and robotic surgeon, performed the first robotic prostate cancer surgery.

The historic surgery took place at The Prostate Clinic, Lagos, using the sophisticated da Vinci robotic surgery system.

This groundbreaking procedure makes Nigeria the first West African nation to offer robotic-assisted prostate cancer treatment, improving local access to advanced care.

This marks a major step in prostate cancer treatment, offering patients less invasive surgery with faster recovery times.

Prostate cancer starts in gland cells of the prostate, a walnut-sized organ in males responsible for producing seminal fluid.

According to reports, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian men aged 55 and above.

Speaking about the breakthrough, Ekwueme highlighted the revolutionary benefits of robotic prostate surgery.

“With this technology, surgeons operate with 3D vision and superior precision, significantly reducing complications and recovery time,” he explained.

He noted that robotic surgery was previously available only in South Africa, forcing Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment.

Ekwueme has successfully conducted over 200 keyhole surgeries in Nigeria, with no patient requiring a blood transfusion.

He stressed that robotic surgery should not be limited to the wealthy but accessible to all Nigerians.

“Why should someone travel to India or the UK for a procedure now available in Lagos?” he questioned.

Ekwueme believes world-class healthcare should be available within Nigeria, reducing the need for medical tourism.

His mission is to prevent unnecessary deaths due to a lack of access to quality medical care.

“We are committed to making robotic surgery affordable and collaborating with the government to expand accessibility,” he added.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, with rising cases in Nigeria.

Ekwueme emphasized that family history is a major risk factor for prostate cancer.

“If a relative had prostate cancer, your risk triples, and it often develops at a younger age,” he warned.

Studies show prostate cancer is more common in black men, and the risk increases with age.

Beyond surgeries, Ekwueme is actively training Nigerian doctors in robotic-assisted techniques.

Over the last three days, his team has trained local surgeons to enhance expertise in this advanced procedure.

He hopes for government collaboration to expand training programs and improve prostate cancer treatment nationwide.

As part of his advocacy, he urged Nigerian men to avoid unverified herbal remedies for prostate cancer.

“Herbal treatments don’t cure prostate cancer and may delay proper medical intervention,” he cautioned.

He stressed the importance of early detection and professional medical care for better survival rates.

Modern technology now offers Nigerian men a greater chance of recovery through robotic-assisted surgery.

This historic milestone signals a promising future for cancer treatment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

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