Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a Nigerian consultant in urology, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, has performed Africa’s first UroLift procedure in Lagos, setting a new benchmark in the treatment of prostate enlargement and advancing local medical innovation.
The procedure, conducted at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, offers a minimally invasive solution for benign prostate enlargement, allowing patients to maintain sexual function while addressing urinary issues.
Ekwueme described the milestone as a major achievement for Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare sector, noting that the UroLift provides a safer alternative to traditional surgeries that often carry side effects.
“The treatment works by gently lifting and securing the enlarged prostate tissue to open the urinary channel without removing or cutting tissue,” he explained. “This method helps men retain normal sexual and reproductive functions, a concern particularly for younger patients.”
Eligibility for the procedure depends on prostate size, with men having a volume of 80 millilitres or less considered suitable after a thorough evaluation to rule out cancer or other complications.
Ekwueme emphasized the dangers of untreated prostate enlargement, explaining that, while typically non-cancerous, it can lead to frequent urination, incontinence, or complete blockage that may require catheterisation. If left unaddressed, the condition can cause permanent bladder damage or kidney failure.
The UroLift can be performed under local or spinal anesthesia, enabling patients to go home within hours or by the following day.
