A Nigerian medical team led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme has performed the country’s first UroLift surgery, marking a major milestone in prostate care. The historic procedure took place at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos.
Ekwueme, a Consultant Urological, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgeon, said the UroLift procedure represents a new era in minimally invasive treatment for men suffering from prostate enlargement. He described the feat as “truly historic.”
“Today, I’ve performed the first UroLift procedure in Africa, and that’s indeed a milestone. 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 surgery, also known as the Prostate Urethral Lift, uses small implants to separate the enlarged prostate lobes and relieve urinary obstruction without cutting or removing tissue. The operation, which lasts less than an hour, can be done under local or spinal anaesthesia, and patients are usually discharged the same day.
Experts say the innovation could help reduce the number of Nigerians travelling abroad for prostate treatment. For years, thousands of men have spent millions seeking medical help overseas, contributing to the nation’s rising medical tourism bill.
Ekwueme said the new procedure will make quality prostate care more accessible and affordable for Nigerians. “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 said.
He warned men against ignoring early signs of prostate problems, adding that untreated cases could lead to urinary blockage, bladder damage, or kidney failure. “Once the bladder muscle becomes permanently weakened, it’s irreversible,” he cautioned.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prostate disorders, including prostate cancer and benign enlargement, remain a major health burden in Nigeria. WHO data shows that one in six Nigerian men will develop a prostate condition in their lifetime.
Ekwueme said The Prostate Clinic would continue to introduce advanced technologies to Nigeria’s healthcare system. “Our goal is to make Nigeria the prostate treatment hub of Africa,” he said.
“We’ve successfully launched robotic surgeries for prostate cancer and now the first UroLift in Nigeria. This is just the beginning.”
