Nigeria has made history as the first country in West and Central Africa to perform the UroLift procedure, a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement (BPE), at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Lagos. The surgery was led by Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon.
The UroLift (Prostate Urethral Lift) uses tiny implants to lift the enlarged prostate away from the urethra, relieving urinary symptoms while preserving sexual and reproductive function. Unlike traditional prostate surgeries, it is quick, minimally invasive, and allows patients to return home the same day without a catheter.
Describing the procedure as “truly historic,” Prof. Ekwueme said, “This treatment preserves erection and ejaculation, takes less than an hour, and patients can return home the same day. Nigerians no longer need to travel abroad for this advanced care.”
Medical tourism for urological care costs Nigeria an estimated $3 billion annually. The availability of UroLift locally is expected to reduce this outflow, lower costs, and improve long-term patient outcomes through proper follow-up care.
Prof. Ekwueme emphasized that untreated prostate enlargement can lead to serious complications, including bladder damage, kidney failure, and urinary blockage. “Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential,” he said.
The Prostate Clinic, which has also introduced robotic prostate cancer surgery in Nigeria, aims to become Africa’s hub for advanced prostate treatments, with UroLift marking a significant step toward local innovation and medical self-reliance.
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