Nigerian surgeon pioneers W’Africa’s robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery

By Doris ObinnaNigeria’s Urological and Robotic Surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, has performed West Africa’s first robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery. It took place at The Prostate Clinic (TPC), Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, Lagos.

The procedure, conducted using the Da Vinci robotic system, marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, placing the country on the global map for cutting-edge surgical treatments. Until now, the robotic system was only available in South Africa, forcing African patients to seek such procedures abroad. googletag.



cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0'); }); Ekwueme, a UK-trained specialist, recently returned to Nigeria with the vision of establishing a world-class medical facility dedicated to minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer and other urological conditions.

TPC is the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa focused on robotic and laparoscopic surgery.He explained that TPC was modelled after specialised centres in Europe where he trained and worked alongside top urological surgeons. He expressed his commitment to ensuring Nigerians no longer need to travel overseas for world-class medical care:“I have been visiting Lagos since April 2022 to perform keyhole surgeries in collaboration with some hospitals.

However, with TPC, we now have a dedicated centre of excellence for robotic surgery, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care without leaving the country. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); “The Da Vinci robotic system, an advanced tool used in the procedure, enhances surgical precision, reduces recovery time, and minimizes blood loss, making it a safer and more effective option for treating prostate cancer.“The robotic arms mimic the natural movement of a human hand with seven degrees of freedom, ensuring unmatched accuracy.

“The inaugural robotic-assisted prostate surgery was scheduled to align with staff training, with a specialised engineer on-site to ensure the system operated smoothly. The patient undergoing the procedure is expected to be discharged within 24 hours, with minimal scarring and no need for a blood transfusion.”Ekwueme assured Nigerians that robotic-assisted surgeries at TPC would be accessible to all, emphasising that cost would not be a barrier to treatment:“My mission is to prevent avoidable deaths from prostate-related diseases.

No patient seeking treatment at TPC will be turned away due to financial constraints.”In addition to prostate cancer treatments, the surgeon highlighted his expertise in kidney cancer, bladder cancer and benign prostate enlargement surgeries. He also revealed plans to introduce a new, non-invasive treatment for enlarged prostates, a procedure never before performed in Africa.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); Ekwueme is committed to training Nigerian surgeons in robotic and keyhole surgical techniques, collaborating with the government and medical institutions to expand expertise in minimally invasive procedures.Addressing common misconceptions about prostate cancer risk factors, he debunked claims that sexual activity or diet significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease: “The primary risk factors are age, race and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial in managing prostate cancer.

“With this milestone, I want to believe that Nigeria has taken a significant step forward in medical innovation, reducing the need for patients to seek expensive treatments abroad. Our efforts at TPC signal the beginning of a new era in Nigerian healthcare, where world-class robotic surgery is now a reality.“As the facility expands, it is expected to redefine urological care in the country, offering advanced, minimally invasive treatments that improve patient outcomes and position Nigeria as a leader in robotic surgery in Africa.

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