Lagos Hospital Performs West Africa's First Robotic Surgery

A 30-year-old woman who faced months of pain from ovarian tumors went home the same day as her surgery and returned to work the next morning, thanks to a medical breakthrough in Lagos.

The Prostate Clinic Lagos performed West Africa's first robotic gynecological surgery on Sunday, successfully removing two large tumors with minimal blood loss and rapid recovery. The patient was eating within six hours and walking out of the hospital that same day.

Dr. Kingsley Ekwueme, the clinic's medical director and consultant robotic surgeon, said the procedure represents a major leap forward for women's healthcare in the region. The clinic introduced West Africa's first surgical robot last year for male-focused treatments and has now expanded to women's health interventions.

The surgery addressed a critical need in Nigeria, where up to 70 percent of women in some communities suffer from fibroids. Many women endure conditions like endometriosis, ovarian tumors, and abnormal bleeding in silence, often leading to severe complications including anemia and heart problems.

Traditional open surgery typically requires lengthy hospital stays, significant blood loss, and weeks of recovery time. Robotic surgery changes that equation entirely, allowing patients to resume normal activities within 24 hours while preserving vital functions and fertility.

Dr. Yusuf Oshodi, a consultant gynecologist at LASUTH who worked on the case, confirmed the tumor was benign and that robotic precision allowed removal without compromising the patient's fertility. She's now free from six months of pain without damage to surrounding tissue.

The Ripple Effect

The clinic provided this first surgery free under its corporate social responsibility program, recognizing that prolonged illness causes greater economic losses than the cost of advanced care. This approach could transform how healthcare accessibility is viewed across West Africa.

The impact extends beyond one patient. TPC has partnered with the Imo state government to establish Nigeria's first robotic surgery centre, creating opportunities for training and research that could position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced medical care.

UK-based consultant gynecologist Dr. Olaolu Aladade emphasized that patients who undergo robotic surgery recover faster, return to work sooner, and experience better psychological and economic outcomes compared to traditional procedures. The technology offers new hope for countless women who previously had limited treatment options.

This revolution in women's healthcare has just begun, and it's happening right here in West Africa.