Nigeria records West Africa’s first in robotic gynaecological surgery
Lagos-based hospital expands robotic care to women, performing life-changing ovarian tumour surgery with same-day discharge.
Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in advanced healthcare delivery as The Prostate Clinic (TPC), Lagos, successfully carried out robotic surgery on a female patient, performing what experts describe as the first robotic gynaecological procedure in West Africa.
The landmark surgery marks a significant expansion of robotic healthcare in Nigeria, moving beyond male-focused procedures to address complex women’s health conditions using cutting-edge technology.
Speaking at the facility, Consultant Robotic Surgeon and Medical Director of TPC, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, said the procedure reflects a deliberate shift towards inclusive innovation in healthcare.
“Following our tradition of leading innovation in Nigeria and West Africa, we introduced the first surgical robot in the sub-region last year. Today, we are proud to extend that innovation to women’s surgeries.”
Ekwueme explained that the patient, a young woman diagnosed with an ovarian tumour, had suffered prolonged pain that disrupted her daily life. Using robotic-assisted surgery, the medical team was able to remove two large tumours with minimal trauma.
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“This young woman has an ovarian tumour that has caused pain and disrupted her life. With robotic surgery, we removed two big tumours. She will go home today and return to work tomorrow,” he said.
According to him, robotic surgery eliminates many of the challenges associated with open procedures, including extended hospital stays, severe pain, and loss of productivity.
“Within six hours, once vital signs are stable, the patient can eat and go home. Recovery is fast, blood loss is minimal, and vital functions are preserved,” Ekwueme said.
He described the procedure as a game-changer for women living with gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumours, and selected ectopic pregnancies.
Ekwueme added that the surgery was performed free of charge as part of TPC’s corporate social responsibility initiative, noting that the broader economic losses caused by prolonged illness often exceed the cost of advanced surgical care.
He also disclosed that TPC has partnered with the Imo State Government to establish a robotic surgery centre, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at promoting innovation, medical research, and reducing medical tourism.
“This revolution has just started. With the right partnerships and vision, Nigeria can become a hub for advanced medical care, training and research,” he said.
Also speaking, a Consultant Gynaecologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and member of the surgical team, Prof. Yusuf Oshodi, said the 30-year-old patient was carefully assessed before being selected for robotic-assisted surgery.
“The tumour is benign, and the precision of robotic surgery allows us to remove only the affected tissue without compromising her fertility. She will be free from the pain she has endured for six months, without damage to surrounding structures,” Oshodi explained.
Oshodi noted that many Nigerian women suffer in silence from gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumours, and abnormal menstrual bleeding. He highlighted that fibroids are particularly widespread, affecting up to 70 per cent of women in some communities, although only 10–20 per cent develop severe symptoms.
He warned that delays in seeking medical attention often lead to serious complications, including anaemia and impaired heart function, stressing that robotic and minimally invasive surgery offer safer and more effective alternatives.
According to him, these approaches reduce hospital stays, preserve reproductive capacity, and enable women to return quickly to their normal lives.
Another member of the surgical team, UK-based consultant gynaecologist Mr Olaolu Aladade, also highlighted the advantages of robotic surgery over traditional open procedures.
“With open surgery, you have more complications, longer recovery and potential reproductive issues. With robotic surgery, patients recover faster, return to work sooner and enjoy better psychological and economic outcomes,” he said.
