Nigeria records a historic medical breakthrough as surgeons perform West Africa’s first robotic gynaecological surgery in Lagos

Nigeria on Sunday achieved a historic medical breakthrough as surgeons successfully performed West Africa’s first robotic gynaecological surgery at The Prostate Clinic in Lagos, marking a decisive leap in advanced, minimally invasive healthcare for women.

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The landmark procedure was carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, Consultant Robotic Surgeon and Medical Director of The Prostate Clinic, alongside Nigerian and international specialists.

The operation signals Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver high-precision surgical care previously accessible only in advanced health systems abroad.

Professor Ekwueme said the development represented a deliberate expansion of robotic surgery beyond male urological conditions into women’s reproductive health, an area long underserved by advanced technology in the region.

“Following the introduction of West Africa’s first surgical robot last year, we made a conscious decision to extend this innovation to women’s surgeries,” Ekwueme said. “This successful procedure confirms that Nigeria can lead in cutting-edge medical care.”

The patient, a young woman diagnosed with a painful ovarian tumour, had endured months of discomfort that affected her daily life and productivity.

Using robotic-assisted technology, surgeons removed two large tumours with exceptional precision, significantly reducing trauma to surrounding tissues.

According to Ekwueme, the patient was expected to return home the same day and resume normal activities within 24 hours, a stark contrast to the prolonged recovery associated with traditional open surgery.

Robotic gynaecological surgery allows surgeons to operate through small incisions using robot-controlled instruments guided by magnified three-dimensional imaging.

Medical experts say the approach results in reduced blood loss, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Professor Yusuf Oshodi, Consultant Gynaecologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, who was part of the surgical team, said the patient’s fertility was preserved due to the precision of the procedure.

“She is a 30-year-old woman who still intends to have children,” Oshodi said. “Robotic surgery enables us to remove diseased tissue accurately while protecting healthy organs.”

Another team member, Olaolu Aladade, a UK-based Consultant Gynaecologist specialising in minimally invasive and oncological surgery, described the achievement as a powerful step forward for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“In advanced health systems, robotic surgery is already standard practice,” Aladade said. “Seeing it successfully implemented in Nigeria is both encouraging and transformative.”

Beyond the immediate clinical success, Ekwueme disclosed that The Prostate Clinic is partnering with the Imo State Government to establish Nigeria’s first dedicated robotic surgery centre, aimed at training specialists, advancing research and reducing medical tourism.

He urged Nigerian women to seek early medical attention for persistent pain or abnormal bleeding, stressing that early diagnosis and access to advanced treatment could be life-changing.

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Medical experts say the achievement firmly places Nigeria robotic gynaecological surgery on the regional and global healthcare map, signalling a future in which world-class surgical care is increasingly available at home.