Nigeria has recorded another major medical breakthrough as Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a consultant urological, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon, successfully performed West Africa’s first UroLift procedure at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos.
The UroLift procedure is a minimally invasive innovation for treating prostate enlargement, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s medical advancement and is expected to drastically reduce medical tourism among Nigerian men seeking prostate treatment abroad.
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Professor Ekwueme, who is also the founder of The Prostate Clinic, described the operation as a defining moment for men’s health across Africa. “Today, I performed the first UroLift procedure in West Africa, marking a historic step forward. The UroLift is unique because it treats prostate enlargement while preserving both erection and ejaculation after surgery,” he said.
The UroLift System, also called the Prostatic Urethral Lift, offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional prostate surgery. Instead of cutting or removing tissue, it uses small implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, improving urine flow without damaging sexual function.
Ekwueme emphasized that the innovation provides new hope for men who fear the side effects of conventional prostate surgery. “Unlike traditional procedures, the UroLift does not affect a man’s ability to have an erection or ejaculate. It can be done in a single day and even under local anesthesia, which makes recovery faster and easier. For younger men who still want to father children, this is a safe and effective solution,” he explained.
He added that the UroLift is suitable for patients whose prostate size is 80 milliliters or less, though a thorough medical assessment is required to determine eligibility. “Every patient must be properly evaluated to rule out prostate cancer and ensure that the prostate meets the anatomical requirements for UroLift,” he noted.
Professor Ekwueme highlighted the financial and emotional burden of medical tourism on Nigerians, estimating that the country loses nearly $3 billion annually to overseas medical trips. “Many Nigerians travel abroad for procedures that can now be done here with equal or even better outcomes. The UroLift is proof that we can deliver world-class healthcare within our borders,” he said.
He also reaffirmed The Prostate Clinic’s commitment to innovation and advanced healthcare delivery. “At TPC, our mission is to integrate cutting-edge medical technology into Nigeria’s health system. We introduced the first robotic prostate surgeries in Nigeria, West Africa, and Central Africa, and now we’ve added the UroLift to our range of advanced treatments.”
Professor Ekwueme’s accomplishment positions Nigeria as a regional leader in prostate care, signaling a new era of affordable and accessible urological treatment for men across the continent.
Keywords: West Africa first UroLift procedure
Synonyms: Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, prostate enlargement treatment, The Prostate Clinic, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, men’s health Nigeria, medical tourism, robotic surgery, West Africa healthcare innovation.
