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By Doris Obinna
In a groundbreaking medical milestone, a leading consultant urological laparoscopic and robotic surgeon, has performed Africa’s first-ever UroLift procedure in Lagos Nigeria, marking a historic leap forward in men’s health care in West and Central Africa.
The UroLift is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement, a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. Unlike traditional surgical procedures, it preserves erection and ejaculation, offering new hope to younger men who wish to maintain fertility after prostate treatment.
Speaking on the feat at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) on Saturday, the robotic surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, after completing the pioneering procedure, said “this is truly historic.”
According to him, for years, young men have expressed fears about losing their sexual function after prostate surgery. “The UroLift changes everything, it treats prostate enlargement effectively while preserving both erection and ejaculation.”
Prof. Ekwueme, who took some journalists through the process, explained that candidates for the UroLift must have a prostate size below 80 millilitres and must first undergo an evaluation to rule out prostate cancer and confirm suitability for the procedure.
Beyond its clinical innovation, he reaffirmed that the introduction of UroLift in Nigeria represents a strategic move to reduce medical tourism and keep more patients receiving world-class care within the country.
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“Nigerians spend around three billion dollars annually on medical tourism. Sadly, many of them face inconsistent quality abroad and lack proper follow-up care. With procedures like the UroLift now available here, there’s no need to travel overseas. We can deliver safe, effective, and dignified treatment right at home.”
Prof. Ekwueme emphasised that untreated prostate enlargement can lead to severe complications, including bladder muscle damage, kidney failure, and the need for dialysis. He urged men to seek medical attention early if they experience changes in urinary habits, frequent nighttime urination, or difficulty controlling urine flow.
“The danger of ignoring prostate symptoms is often underestimated,” he warned. “Over time, the bladder and kidneys can fail and that damage is irreversible. Early detection saves lives.”
Highlighting the benefits of the UroLift, he said the procedure can be performed under local or spinal anesthesia, typically without a catheter, allowing most patients to go home the same day. “It’s fast, safe, and life-changing,” he added.
Looking ahead, Prof. Ekwueme reiterated it’s commitment to innovation and excellence in urological care. “We’ve already introduced the first robotic prostate cancer surgeries in Nigeria and West and Central Africa. Now, with UroLift, we’re redefining what’s possible in prostate treatment. And this is only the beginning.
“With the successful introduction of UroLift, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward medical self-reliance, offering men across Africa renewed hope and proof that world-class innovation can thrive right at home.”
