Follow Us on Google
By Doris Obinna
In a remarkable leap forward for African medicine, Nigeria has become the first country on the continent to successfully perform the revolutionary UroLift procedure for prostate enlargement. The groundbreaking surgery was carried out in Victoria Island, Lagos, by consultant urological laparoscopic and robotic surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, marking a defining moment in men’s health and medical innovation in Nigeria.
The UroLift, a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), offers a transformative alternative to traditional prostate surgeries. Unlike conventional procedures that often compromise sexual function, the UroLift preserves erection and ejaculation, a feature that makes it particularly beneficial for younger men who wish to maintain fertility after treatment. The procedure involves placing small implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, thereby relieving pressure on the urethra and improving urine flow.
Speaking after performing the first UroLift at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos, Ekwueme described the moment as “truly historic,” noting that it represents a new era of urological care in Africa. “For years, young men have expressed deep fears about losing their sexual function after prostate surgery. The UroLift changes everything. It treats prostate enlargement effectively while preserving both erection and ejaculation. This is a game changer.”
Ekwueme explained that candidates for the UroLift must meet specific medical criteria, including having a prostate size below 80 millilitres. “Each patient must undergo a thorough evaluation to rule out prostate cancer and confirm suitability for the procedure.” He emphasised that beyond its medical benefits, the introduction of UroLift in Nigeria signifies a major step toward reducing the country’s dependence on medical tourism.
“Nigerians spend around three billion dollars annually on medical tourism, often seeking treatments that we can now offer locally. Unfortunately, many patients face inconsistent quality abroad and lack proper follow-up care. With innovations like the UroLift available here, there’s no need to travel overseas. We can deliver safe, effective, and dignified treatment right at home.”
He also drew attention to the severe risks of untreated prostate enlargement, warning that ignoring symptoms could lead to life-threatening complications such as bladder muscle damage, kidney failure, and the need for dialysis. “The danger of ignoring prostate symptoms is often underestimated,” he cautioned. “Over time, the bladder and kidneys can fail, and that damage is irreversible. Early detection saves lives.”
Highlighting the patient-friendly nature of the UroLift, Ekwueme noted that the procedure could be performed under local or spinal anaesthesia, typically without the need for a catheter. “Most patients are able to return home the same day, significantly reducing recovery time compared to traditional surgical options. It’s fast, safe, and life-changing,” he added.
The successful introduction of UroLift follows a string of pioneering achievements by Prof. Ekwueme and his team at The Prostate Clinic. In recent years, the clinic has led several firsts in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa, including the introduction of robotic prostate cancer surgeries. “With UroLift, we’re once again redefining what’s possible in prostate treatment. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in African healthcare,” he said.
