Manny Ita
In a landmark achievement for Nigerian medicine, The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos successfully performed West Africa’s first robotic-assisted gynecological surgery on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The procedure was conducted on a 30-year-old woman suffering from a debilitating ovarian tumor that had caused her chronic pain for over six months. Led by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Robotic Surgeon and Medical Director of TPC, the surgical team also included Prof. Yusuf Oshodi, a Consultant Gynecologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and UK-based specialist Mr. Olaolu Alalade.
The surgery utilized advanced robotic technology to remove two large benign tumors with a level of precision that protected the patient’s surrounding tissue and preserved her future fertility. Prof. Ekwueme highlighted the transformative nature of the technology, stating, “With robotic surgery, we removed two large tumors. She will go home today and return to work tomorrow.” He further emphasized that the robotic system significantly reduces the pain, blood loss, and prolonged hospital stays typically associated with traditional open surgeries, often allowing patients to resume normal activities within 24 hours.
This breakthrough represents a strategic expansion of robotic medicine in Nigeria, which was initially introduced at the facility last year for male urological procedures such as prostatectomies. Prof. Oshodi noted that the successful outcome for the 30-year-old patient proves that Nigeria now possesses the technical capability to handle complex women’s health issues—including fibroids and endometriosis—using minimally invasive methods. To mark the milestone, the hospital provided the surgery free of charge under its corporate social responsibility program, arguing that the economic cost of prolonged illness far exceeds the investment in advanced care.
The successful operation is being hailed as a major step toward curbing “medical tourism,” where Nigerians travel abroad for specialized treatments. Prof. Ekwueme revealed that the “revolution has just started,” announcing a new partnership with the Imo State Government to establish Nigeria’s first dedicated robotic surgery center. This initiative aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced medical training and research, potentially attracting patients from across the African continent.
