Nigeria Advances Healthcare with Inaugural UroLift Surgery to Reduce Medical Tourism

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A significant medical milestone was achieved at The Prostate Clinic in Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 11. Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a seasoned urological, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon, successfully conducted Nigeria’s first UroLift procedure, a breakthrough minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement.

As reported by The Guardian, this landmark operation marks a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s reliance on medical tourism, offering a local, advanced solution for a condition that affects countless men.

The UroLift procedure, unlike traditional surgeries, doesn’t involve cutting or removing prostate tissue. Instead, it gently lifts and secures the enlarged prostate to clear the urinary pathway, preserving sexual and reproductive functions, a critical concern for younger patients. 

Ekwueme, speaking with measured pride after the surgery, called it a “remarkable achievement” for Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare landscape. He emphasised its safety, noting that it sidesteps the distressing side effects often associated with conventional methods.

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Not every patient qualifies for this innovative treatment. Ekwueme explained that eligibility hinges on prostate size, typically 80 millilitres or less, determined through a thorough medical evaluation to rule out cancer or other complications. For those who qualify, the benefits are transformative. Performed under local or spinal anaesthesia, the procedure allows patients to return home within hours, sometimes the next day, with minimal discomfort and a swift recovery.

Prostate enlargement, though often non-cancerous, carries grave risks if untreated. Ekwueme described how it can impair urination, leading to frequent urges, incontinence, or even complete blockages requiring catheterisation. Left unchecked, it may cause irreversible bladder damage or kidney failure. The UroLift’s arrival in Nigeria offers a lifeline, addressing these risks without the invasive measures of the past.

The broader implications of this milestone are profound. Nigerians spend approximately $3 billion annually on medical tourism, often facing inconsistent treatment and inadequate follow-up abroad. Ekwueme highlighted the unpredictability of care overseas, where patients lack guarantees of quality or continuity. By introducing UroLift locally, The Prostate Clinic provides a safer, more accessible alternative, ensuring world-class care closer to home.

The Prostate Clinic has long been a pioneer in urological advancements. It previously introduced robotic prostate cancer surgeries to West and Central Africa, and the UroLift procedure builds on this legacy. 

Ekwueme envisions a future where such innovations continue to transform men’s health across the continent, reducing the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad. With each precise stitch and technological leap, the clinic is stitching together a new era of healthcare self-reliance for Nigeria.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

What is the UroLift procedure?

The UroLift procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement. It lifts and secures prostate tissue to open the urinary channel without cutting or removing tissue, preserving sexual and reproductive functions.

Who is eligible for UroLift surgery?

Men with a prostate volume of 80 millilitres or less may qualify after a medical evaluation to rule out cancer or other complications.

What are the benefits of UroLift compared to traditional prostate surgeries?

UroLift requires only local or spinal anaesthesia, allows for quick recovery, and minimises discomfort. It avoids deep surgical cuts and preserves sexual function, unlike traditional methods.

How does untreated prostate enlargement affect health?

Untreated prostate enlargement can cause frequent urination, incontinence, or complete urinary blockage, potentially leading to permanent bladder damage or kidney failure.

How does the UroLift procedure help reduce medical tourism in Nigeria?

By offering advanced, minimally invasive treatments locally, UroLift reduces the need for Nigerians to seek costly and inconsistent care abroad, ensuring better access to quality healthcare.