In a major stride towards reducing medical tourism, Nigeria has recorded its first UroLift surgery — a minimally invasive procedure for treating prostate enlargement — performed by consultant urological, laparoscopic and robotic surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, marking a new milestone in the treatment of prostate enlargement.
The landmark operation, carried out at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, introduces a modern, minimally invasive method for treating benign prostate enlargement without compromising a patient’s sexual function.
Speaking after the successful procedure, Ekwueme described the development as a remarkable achievement for Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare system, saying the UroLift procedure provides a safer alternative to traditional surgeries that often cause distressing side effects.
He explained that the treatment works by gently lifting and securing the enlarged prostate tissue to open the urinary channel, eliminating the need for cutting or removing tissue. He added that it allows men to maintain normal sexual and reproductive functions after the operation — an outcome that has long been a concern for younger patients.
However, the surgeon noted that not all patients are eligible for the procedure, as suitability depends on prostate size.
According to him, men with a prostate volume of 80 millilitres or less may qualify after thorough medical evaluation to confirm that cancer or other complications are not present.
Discussing the health risks of untreated prostate enlargement, he explained that the condition, though usually non-cancerous, can seriously affect a man’s ability to urinate and lead to long-term complications. He said affected individuals may struggle with frequent urination, incontinence or total blockage that requires catheterisation, warning that if the condition persists without intervention, it could cause permanent bladder damage or kidney failure.
On the advantages of the new procedure, Ekwueme stated that the UroLift can be performed under local or spinal anaesthesia, allowing patients to return home within hours or by the next day. He maintained that the approach eliminates the need for deep surgical cuts or tissue removal, reduces recovery time and ensures patients experience little or no post-operative discomfort.
According to him, introducing this technology in Nigeria will help reduce the country’s dependence on medical tourism. He lamented that many Nigerians who seek care abroad often face inconsistent treatment outcomes and poor follow-up, adding that having advanced options like UroLift available locally would provide safer and more convenient access to quality care.
While acknowledging the lack of specific national data on prostate disorders, he referred to existing reports suggesting that Nigerians spend around $3 billion each year on medical tourism. He expressed concern that patients who travel abroad often lack protection regarding the quality and continuity of their care.
Looking ahead, he said The Prostate Clinic remains committed to advancing urological treatment across Africa by introducing world-class medical innovations.
He recalled that the clinic had earlier pioneered robotic prostate cancer surgeries in West and Central Africa and reaffirmed that the introduction of UroLift represents another major step in improving men’s health and reducing the need for Nigerians to seek care abroad.
