Nigeria’s healthcare sector has recorded a landmark breakthrough as The Prostate Clinic (TPC), Lagos, successfully carried out the country’s first robotic gynaecological surgery, marking a historic first for both Nigeria and West Africa.
The pioneering procedure was performed on a 30-year-old woman suffering severe pain and discomfort caused by an ovarian tumour. The surgery, led by Consultant Robotic Surgeon and Medical Director of TPC, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, involved the removal of two large tumours using advanced robotic technology.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Prof. Ekwueme described the operation as a major leap forward for women’s healthcare in the region. He explained that TPC introduced the first surgical robot in West Africa last year and has now expanded its application to gynaecological procedures.
“Today, we are proud to extend that innovation to women’s surgeries,” he said. “With robotic surgery, we removed two big tumours. She will go home today and return to work tomorrow.”
The procedure was conducted free of charge as part of the clinic’s corporate social responsibility initiative. Prof. Ekwueme stressed that the economic and social costs of prolonged illness often exceed the expense of advanced surgical care.
“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 noted, describing robotic surgery as a game-changer for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumours and selected ectopic pregnancies.
The milestone also signals broader ambitions for Nigeria’s medical sector. Prof. Ekwueme revealed that TPC has partnered with the Imo State Government to establish a dedicated robotic surgery centre, aimed at boosting innovation, training, 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,” he said.
READ ALSO: Robotic Revolution: AI Performs First Unassisted Dental Surgery
Consultant Gynaecologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Yusuf Oshodi, who was part of the surgical team, confirmed that the tumour was benign and that the precision of robotic surgery preserved the patient’s fertility.
“The patient will be free from the pain she has endured for six months, without damage to surrounding structures,” Oshodi said, while also highlighting the high prevalence of fibroids among Nigerian women and the tendency for late hospital presentation.
UK-based Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr. Olaolu Aladade, also part of the team, emphasized that robotic and minimally invasive surgeries offer faster recovery, fewer complications and better long-term outcomes compared to open surgery.
As celebrations trail the success, healthcare experts say the achievement underscores the capacity of Nigerian medical professionals and reinforces calls for sustained investment in modern healthcare infrastructure.