Nigeria has achieved a major medical milestone with the successful performance of the country’s first UroLift surgery at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos. The groundbreaking procedure, led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, Consultant Urological, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgeon, marks a turning point in local prostate care and could position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced urological treatment.
Professor Ekwueme, a Nigerian medical expert from Anambra who returned from the diaspora to establish TPC, described the surgery as “truly historic,” noting that it was not only the first in Nigeria but also the first in Africa. “This new minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement offers the unique advantage that erection and ejaculation are fully preserved after the operation,” he said.
The UroLift, also known as the Prostate Urethral Lift, is a revolutionary procedure designed to relieve urinary obstruction caused by prostate enlargement without cutting or removing tissue. During the operation, small implants are used to gently lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, improving urine flow. The entire process takes less than an hour, requires no incisions, and allows patients to return home the same day.
Observers described the surgery as smooth and precise, with Professor Ekwueme and his team demonstrating exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. Unlike conventional prostate surgeries, the UroLift preserves erectile and ejaculatory functions—benefits that are particularly significant for men concerned about post-surgical quality of life.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prostate disorders, including benign enlargement and prostate cancer, represent a major health challenge in Nigeria. One in six Nigerian men is expected to develop a prostate condition in his lifetime, and prostate cancer accounts for over 29 percent of male cancers in the country. Experts have long linked the high mortality rate to late diagnosis, poor screening habits, and limited access to modern treatment options.
For decades, thousands of Nigerian men have traveled abroad for prostate treatment, costing the country billions annually in medical tourism. Professor Ekwueme believes this local breakthrough could help reverse that trend. “Nigerians travel abroad for treatment and are often mistreated without respect,” he said. “With the UroLift now available here, patients no longer need to travel overseas in search of help. It’s safe, modern, and accessible right here in Nigeria.”
He emphasized that the procedure is suitable for men whose prostate size does not exceed 80 millilitres and can be performed under local or spinal anaesthesia. Beyond the convenience and affordability, Ekwueme highlighted the importance of continuity of care and proper follow-up—advantages often lost when patients seek treatment abroad.
He also warned men to take prostate symptoms seriously, noting that frequent urination at night or difficulty controlling the bladder could be early warning signs of prostate enlargement. “If untreated, it can lead to total blockage, bladder damage, and even kidney failure,” he explained. “Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential.”
With the successful introduction of UroLift in Nigeria, The Prostate Clinic aims to further expand its advanced offerings. “Our goal is to make Nigeria the prostate treatment hub of Africa,” Ekwueme said. “We’ve successfully launched robotic surgeries for prostate cancer and now the first UroLift in Nigeria. This is just the beginning.”
About Author
