West Africa Records First Robotic Gynaecological Surgery in Lagos

Nigeria has achieved a major medical breakthrough after surgeons at The Prostate Clinic, Lagos, successfully performed West Africa’s first robotic-assisted gynaecological surgery, removing two benign ovarian tumours using the da Vinci robotic system.

The landmark procedure, conducted under the clinic’s social responsibility programme and offered free of charge to the patient, marks a significant step forward in high‑precision minimally invasive surgery in the region.

The operation was led by Consultant Urological Surgeon Prof Kingsley Ekwueme, working alongside gynaecologists Prof Yusuf Oshodi and Dr Olaolu Alalade. According to the clinic, the surgery preserved the patient’s fertility, minimised blood loss, reduced post‑operative pain, and ensured a quicker recovery compared with traditional open surgery.

How the Robotic System Works

Developed by Intuitive Surgical, the da Vinci system offers:

• 3D high‑definition visualisation
• Wristed instruments with seven degrees of freedom
• Tremor filtration
• Precision control in confined spaces

These features allow surgeons to perform complex pelvic procedures through tiny incisions, significantly reducing trauma to surrounding tissues.

Although known primarily for prostate and urological procedures, The Prostate Clinic says its robotic capabilities have expanded to include gynaecology, urogynaecology, general surgery, and other specialties — addressing public confusion over the clinic’s name.

Why This Matters for Nigeria and West Africa

Until now, robotic gynaecological surgery had been largely unavailable in West Africa, forcing patients to travel abroad — to South Africa, Europe, or the Middle East — at significant cost.

This achievement signals:

• Growing investment in high‑tech medical infrastructure
• Successful multidisciplinary collaboration between Nigerian surgical teams
• Reduced reliance on medical tourism
• Expanded capacity for fertility‑preserving treatments for benign conditions, including ovarian cysts and fibroids

The clinic says plans are underway to expand surgeon training and improve access to robotic procedures through partnerships and subsidised programmes.