Nigeria has achieved a major medical milestone as The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos successfully performed the country’s first UroLift surgery — a breakthrough that could transform prostate treatment and reduce medical tourism.
The historic procedure was led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Urological, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgeon who returned from the diaspora to establish TPC. The achievement positions Nigeria as a growing destination for advanced prostate care.
For years, thousands of Nigerian men have traveled abroad for prostate treatments, costing the nation billions annually. Many patients have suffered or even died due to delayed care and limited access to modern procedures at home.
During a live demonstration observed by Vanguard, Prof. Ekwueme and his team carried out the UroLift — a minimally invasive surgery designed to relieve prostate enlargement without cutting or removing tissue.
Using a telescope inserted through the urethra, the prostate was carefully visualized and treated with small implants that open the urinary passage. The entire procedure took less than an hour and left the patient’s sexual function completely intact.
“The unique advantage of UroLift is that erection and ejaculation are fully preserved,” Prof. Ekwueme said after the surgery. “Today, I performed the first UroLift procedure in Africa, and that’s truly historic.”
He explained that UroLift is best suited for men with prostate sizes below 80 millilitres and can be done under local or spinal anaesthesia. Patients can go home the same day, unlike traditional surgeries that require hospitalization.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prostate diseases — including cancer and benign enlargement — are a growing health concern in Nigeria. WHO estimates that one in six Nigerian men will develop a prostate condition in their lifetime, with prostate cancer accounting for nearly 30% of all male cancers.
Experts blame high mortality rates on poor screening, late diagnosis, and limited access to modern treatment. Prof. Ekwueme believes innovations like UroLift can change that.
“With this technology now available locally, Nigerians no longer need to travel abroad for prostate care,” he said. “It’s safe, modern, and accessible right here in Nigeria.”
He added that local availability will not only save costs but also improve follow-up care and quality control.
Ekwueme warned that untreated prostate enlargement can cause severe complications, including urinary blockage, bladder damage, and kidney failure. “The key is early diagnosis and timely treatment,” he emphasized.
He further assured men that UroLift restores normal urinary function without affecting sexual health. “There’s no effect on erection or ejaculation. For young men who still wish to have children, that makes all the difference,” he said.
Looking ahead, The Prostate Clinic plans to introduce more advanced technologies across Africa. “Our goal is to make Nigeria the prostate treatment hub of the continent,” Ekwueme said. “We’ve done robotic surgeries for prostate cancer and now the first UroLift. This is just the beginning.”
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