Nigeria has become the first country in West Africa to perform the UroLift procedure, a breakthrough minimally invasive surgery for men with enlarged prostate that preserves sexual function.
The procedure, carried out by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, consultant urological laparoscopic and robotic surgeon and founder of The Prostate Clinic (TPC) Lagos, marks a major stride toward reducing medical tourism and improving local access to advanced healthcare.
“This is truly historic,” Professor Ekwueme said after the procedure. “The UroLift treats prostate enlargement while maintaining both erection and ejaculation. For younger men who still wish to father children after surgery, this offers a safe and reassuring option,” he added.
Unlike traditional prostate surgeries that often involve cutting or tissue removal, the UroLift uses a tiny implant to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, relieving pressure without affecting sexual performance. The procedure can be done under local or spinal anesthesia, and most patients go home the same day often without a catheter.
“It’s a same-day treatment that allows men to recover quickly and return to normal life,” Ekwueme explained.
He, however, noted that not everyone is eligible for the surgery.
“For a patient to be suitable for the UroLift, the prostate volume must not exceed 80 millilitres,” he said. “We always carry out full assessments to rule out prostate cancer and determine the size and shape of the gland.”
Beyond the medical significance, Professor Ekwueme emphasized the broader impact on Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, especially in curbing the country’s heavy dependence on medical tourism.
“Nigerians spend around three billion dollars every year seeking medical treatment abroad,” he said. “Sadly, many are mistreated and receive poor follow-up care. With UroLift now available here, patients don’t have to travel abroad for procedures that can be safely done at home.”
He warned that untreated prostate enlargement could lead to serious complications, including kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
“When men start waking up several times at night or can’t control their urine, it could be prostate enlargement,” he said. “If ignored, it can damage the bladder or kidneys. Early medical attention is critical.”
The introduction of UroLift follows earlier achievements by The Prostate Clinic, which pioneered robotic prostate cancer surgery in West and Central Africa.
“Our vision at TPC is to keep innovating and bringing cutting-edge technology home,” Professor Ekwueme added. “With UroLift, we’re giving men a safer, less invasive alternative that preserves their quality of life.”
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