Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a leading destination for advanced prostate treatment following a groundbreaking medical achievement at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos. A team led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, Consultant Urological, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgeon, has successfully performed the first UroLift surgery in Nigeria—and indeed, in Africa.
Professor Ekwueme, a Nigerian expert who returned from the diaspora to establish The Prostate Clinic, is pioneering a new era in prostate care that could drastically reduce Nigerians’ reliance on costly foreign hospitals.
For decades, thousands of Nigerian men have spent billions of naira abroad seeking treatment for prostate conditions—often risking their lives in the process. But with this latest medical milestone, that trend may soon change. The once overseas-only technology is now available locally—safe, effective, and affordable.
Vanguard witnessed the live demonstration of the minimally invasive procedure, known medically as the Prostate Urethral Lift or UroLift. The operation involves inserting a telescope through the urethra to access the prostate, after which tiny implants are used to separate obstructing tissue—without any cutting or tissue removal.
The entire procedure lasts under an hour and, remarkably, preserves both erection and ejaculation, unlike many traditional surgeries.
Addressing journalists after the operation, Prof. Ekwueme called it “a truly historic moment.”
“Today, I’ve performed the first UroLift procedure in Africa, and that’s a milestone,” he said.
“This new minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement allows men to keep their sexual function completely intact after surgery.”
He explained that the UroLift is suitable for men with prostates not exceeding 80 millilitres and can be done under local or spinal anaesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in six Nigerian men will develop a prostate condition in their lifetime, with prostate cancer accounting for nearly 30 percent of all male cancers in the country. Experts have long blamed high mortality rates on poor screening, late diagnosis, and limited access to modern treatment.
Professor Ekwueme believes innovations like UroLift could be a turning point.
“Nigerians travel abroad for treatment and are often treated without dignity,” he said. “Now, they don’t have to. The UroLift is safe, modern, and available right here in Nigeria.”
He added that local access to such advanced procedures not only saves money but also ensures better follow-up and quality control, vital for patient safety and long-term success.
The renowned surgeon also warned against ignoring early symptoms such as frequent night urination or loss of bladder control, noting that untreated prostate enlargement can lead to kidney failure or irreversible bladder damage.
“Early diagnosis and timely treatment are the keys,” he advised. “The UroLift restores normal urination and confidence, without affecting sexual performance—a major concern for many men.”
Professor Ekwueme reaffirmed his clinic’s mission to make Nigeria the prostate treatment hub of Africa, adding that this historic UroLift surgery is “just the beginning.”
“We’ve already introduced robotic prostate cancer surgery,” he said. “Now with UroLift, Nigeria is proving that world-class urological care can thrive right here at home.”
Comments