Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a Nigerian Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon based in the United Kingdom, made history by leading the first successful robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery in West and Central Africa.
This monumental achievement, performed in Lagos, Nigeria, marks a significant leap forward for the entire continent's healthcare landscape, particularly in the specialised field of urology and oncology.
The groundbreaking procedure was conducted using the Da Vinci robotic system, an advanced surgical platform that was previously only available in South Africa within the sub-Saharan region.
The system provides surgeons with high-definition, three-dimensional imaging and robotic arms that mimic the flexibility of a human hand, enabling unparalleled precision during intricate operations like a radical prostatectomy.
This technological and surgical feat is primarily aimed at tackling the rising incidence of prostate cancer in the region. Professor Ekwueme's motivation is rooted in the alarming statistics, noting that prostate cancer is a leading malignancy among Nigerian men.
His work is driven by the passionate belief that "No Nigerian should die from prostate cancer," and patients should no longer be forced to travel abroad for world-class treatment.
The benefits of the robotic-assisted surgery are profound for patients. Unlike traditional open surgery, the minimally invasive approach involves smaller incisions, which leads to significantly less blood loss, reduced scarring, minimal trauma, and a much faster recovery time.
Patients can often be discharged within 24 hours, dramatically cutting down hospital stays. Crucially, the system's precision aids in preserving vital nerves, which is essential for maintaining urinary control and erectile function post-surgery.
Beyond the immediate success of the operation, Professor Ekwueme is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, advanced medical ecosystem in Nigeria.
He has modeled the clinic after specialized European centres and is committed to training local surgeons in this complex robotic technique.
This commitment to capacity building, coupled with plans to keep the cost of the advanced procedure reasonable, ensures that this medical milestone is a lasting revolution rather than a one-off event, ultimately transforming cancer care and setting a new standard for surgical excellence across Africa.