Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in advanced healthcare delivery with the successful performance of the first robotic ovarian surgery in West Africa, expanding the use of robotic technology from men’s health into women’s reproductive care.

The procedure, led by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, consultant robotic surgeon at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos, and a team of specialist gynaecologists, was performed on a young woman with a benign ovarian tumour that had caused months of pain, discomfort and disruption to her daily life.

Ekwueme said the operation marked a deliberate transition from a year-long focus on men’s health issues to addressing conditions affecting women. He explained that robotic surgery allows patients to recover far more quickly than with conventional open surgery, enabling same-day discharge and a return to normal activities within 24 hours.

According to him, traditional open surgery often requires patients to stay in hospital for several days and spend weeks recovering at home, whereas robotic surgery minimises wounds, pain and blood loss. He said patients can eat within hours of the procedure and resume daily life once their vital signs are stable.

Ekwueme noted that robotic surgery is not limited to ovarian conditions and can also be used to manage problems affecting the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids, womb cancer, hysterectomy cases and unruptured ectopic pregnancies. He said the minimally invasive approach helps women address reproductive health challenges without significant complications or loss of bodily function.

He stressed that, beyond clinical benefits, robotic surgery has important economic implications. While many people focus on the monetary cost of healthcare, he said prolonged illness and time away from work often carry greater hidden costs. He argued that the ability of patients to return to work within days, rather than months, represents a major gain for individuals, employers and the government.

Ekwueme disclosed that the ovarian surgery was performed at no cost to the patient as part of TPC’s corporate social responsibility. He added that even when fees are considered, the benefits of a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and preserved quality of life far outweigh the cost.

Ekwueme urged women not to ignore persistent pain or abnormal bleeding, advising early medical checks and ultrasound scans, which he said could lead to timely, life-saving interventions.

Prof. Yusuf Oshodi, a consultant gynaecologist at Lagos State University Hospital (LASUTH) and part of the team, said investigations confirmed the patient’s tumour was benign, making her suitable for robotic-assisted surgery. He explained that the robot’s precision allows surgeons to remove only the tumour without damaging surrounding tissues, thereby preserving fertility.

Another consultant gynaecologist with experience in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Olaolu Aladade, said robotic techniques offer significant advantages over open surgery, including fewer adhesions, quicker recovery and psychological benefits. He noted that many patients are able to return to work within weeks.