Nigeria’s medical community has recorded a significant breakthrough as The Prostate Clinic (TPC), Lagos, successfully performed the country’s first-ever UroLift procedure, a cutting-edge surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement. The landmark operation, conducted by a team led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a renowned Consultant Urological, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgeon, represents a turning point for men’s health and surgical innovation in West Africa.
The procedure, carried out at TPC’s state-of-the-art facility in Lagos, offers a revolutionary solution for men suffering from urinary difficulties caused by an enlarged prostate. Instead of the traditional methods that involve cutting or removing prostate tissue, the UroLift system gently lifts and holds the enlarged tissue away from the urethra using small permanent implants. This simple but transformative technique restores normal urine flow, reduces recovery time, and eliminates the risk of sexual dysfunction often associated with older surgical methods.
Speaking after the successful procedure, Professor Ekwueme described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s urological history. He noted that the minimally invasive method allows patients to go home the same day and resume normal activities within a short period. “What makes this innovation remarkable,” he explained, “is that it preserves a man’s sexual function and ejaculation after surgery. It’s fast, effective, and life-changing for those struggling with prostate obstruction.”
Observers who witnessed the operation described it as precise, efficient, and seamlessly executed by the Nigerian team. The patient reportedly experienced minimal discomfort and was discharged within hours — a testament to the safety and efficiency of the procedure. The success at The Prostate Clinic demonstrates that Nigeria now possesses both the expertise and the facilities to deliver world-class urological care that was previously only accessible abroad.
For decades, medical tourism has drained the Nigerian economy, with thousands of patients seeking specialized surgeries in Europe, the Middle East, or India. This pioneering UroLift procedure signals a shift in that trend, showcasing how Nigerian specialists can now offer globally recognized solutions locally. The Prostate Clinic’s achievement is expected to encourage other healthcare institutions to invest in advanced medical technologies, bridging the gap between local practice and international standards.
Globally, the UroLift system has transformed prostate treatment, earning approval from health authorities in the United States and Europe. Clinical studies published in peer-reviewed journals highlight its long-term effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and preservation of sexual function, benefits that have now been replicated for the first time on Nigerian soil. Most patients resume normal activities within days, a dramatic improvement compared to traditional TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) procedures, which require longer hospital stays and carry higher risks of side effects.
The success story at TPC also underscores the growing strength of medical innovation in Nigeria. Under Professor Ekwueme’s leadership, the clinic has positioned itself as a regional hub for advanced prostate and minimally invasive surgeries. Plans are already underway to train other Nigerian urologists in the UroLift technique, ensuring wider access to this breakthrough treatment across the country and West Africa.
Medical experts say the event is more than a singular success, it is a signal of what is possible when local professionals are empowered with technology, training, and the right environment. It highlights Nigeria’s readiness to reduce medical tourism and deliver top-tier healthcare within its borders.
Professor Ekwueme captured the spirit of the milestone when he stated, “This is not just a procedure; it’s progress. It shows that Nigerian medicine can meet the highest international standards when innovation and determination come together.”
The successful UroLift surgery at The Prostate Clinic, Lagos, stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of Nigerian men silently struggling with prostate conditions. It reaffirms the country’s ability to achieve global medical excellence not abroad, but right at home.
No comments:
Post a Comment