Facility boosts robotic surgery with first gynaecological procedure

Nigeria has recorded another milestone in advanced healthcare delivery as The Prostate Clinic (TPC), Lagos, on Sunday performed a robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery, described by experts as the first of its kind in West Africa.

The procedure, carried out on a female patient with an ovarian tumour, marks an expansion of robotic surgery in the country from male-focused care to women’s health.

Speaking at the facility, the Consultant Robotic Surgeon and Medical Director of TPC, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, said the development reflects the hospital’s commitment to driving innovation in medical care across Nigeria and the sub-region.

“Following our tradition of leading innovation in Nigeria and West Africa, we introduced the first surgical robot in the sub-region last year. Today, we are proud to extend that innovation to women’s surgeries,” Ekwueme said.

He explained that the patient had been experiencing severe pain and disruption to her daily life due to an ovarian tumour, adding that robotic-assisted surgery enabled the removal of two large tumours with minimal trauma.

“With robotic surgery, we removed two big tumours. She will go home today and return to work tomorrow,” he said.

Ekwueme noted that robotic surgery significantly reduces the pain, blood loss and prolonged hospital stay associated with open surgery, allowing patients to resume normal activities within 24 hours.

“Within six hours, once vital signs are stable, the patient can eat and go home. Recovery is fast, blood loss is minimal, and vital functions are preserved,” he said.

He described the procedure as a major advancement for the treatment of gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumours and selected ectopic pregnancies.

According to him, the surgery was provided at no cost to the patient as part of TPC’s corporate social responsibility, stressing that the economic losses resulting from prolonged illness and recovery often outweigh the cost of advanced medical care.

Ekwueme also disclosed that the clinic has partnered with the Imo State Government to establish a robotic surgery centre, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at promoting innovation, research and reducing medical tourism.

“This revolution has just started. With the right partnerships and vision, Nigeria can become a hub for advanced medical care, training and research,” he said.

Also speaking, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Yusuf Oshodi, said the 30-year-old patient was carefully assessed and found suitable for robotic-assisted surgery.

“The tumour is benign, and the precision of robotic surgery allows us to remove only the affected tissue without compromising her fertility,” Oshodi said. “She will be relieved of the pain she has endured for six months, without damage to surrounding structures.”

Oshodi noted that many Nigerian women suffer from gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumours and abnormal menstrual bleeding, often delaying medical attention until complications arise.

He said fibroids are particularly common, affecting up to 70 per cent of women in some communities, although only about 10 to 20 per cent develop severe symptoms.

According to him, delayed treatment can lead to complications including anaemia and impaired heart function, adding that robotic and minimally invasive surgery offers precise treatment, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Another member of the surgical team, UK-based Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr. Olaolu Aladade, said robotic-assisted procedures offer clear advantages over open surgery.

“With open surgery, patients face more complications, longer recovery periods and potential reproductive issues. Robotic surgery allows faster recovery, earlier return to work and better psychological and economic outcomes,” he said.

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