Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a consultant urological, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon, has successfully performed West Africa’s first UroLift procedure in Nigeria. This minimally invasive treatment is designed for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can make urination difficult and significantly affect quality of life. The UroLift System, also known as the Prostate Urethral Lift, uses tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, allowing urine to flow freely. The procedure is suitable for men with a prostate size of 80 milliliters or less, and patients must undergo a proper medical assessment to determine eligibility.
According to Ekwueme, the innovation addresses one of the greatest concerns men have about prostate surgery: the loss of sexual function. Unlike other surgeries, the UroLift procedure has no effect on erection or ejaculation and can be performed under local anesthesia. This makes it a safe and effective option for younger men who wish to father children after prostate surgery.
The introduction of UroLift in Nigeria is expected to help curb the country’s high rate of medical tourism, which drains billions of dollars annually. Nigerians spend around $3 billion each year on medical tourism, often receiving mistreatment abroad without proper follow‑up or quality assurance. With UroLift now available locally, patients can receive world‑class prostate care without traveling overseas.
Ekwueme, who founded The Prostate Clinic as Nigeria’s first super‑specialized center for prostate cancer, has led several pioneering efforts in prostate treatment. The UroLift complements the clinic’s mission to bring cutting‑edge technology to Nigerian healthcare. The clinic has also launched the first robotic surgeries for prostate cancer in Nigeria, West Africa, and Central Africa.
Delayed medical attention for prostate enlargement can lead to severe complications, including weak bladder muscles and kidney failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these outcomes. With the introduction of UroLift, Nigeria has placed itself at the forefront of urological innovation on the continent, offering renewed hope to thousands of men battling prostate conditions. The country can now provide advanced prostate care comparable to any location worldwide, reducing the need for medical tourism and improving the quality of life for men suffering from BPH.
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