TPC performs first robotic prostate cancer surgery in West Africa
In a ground-breaking development for healthcare in West Africa, The Prostate Clinic (TPC) has successfully performed the first-ever robotic prostate cancer surgery in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. The historic procedure, conducted on Monday, utilised the da Vinci robotic surgery system, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of prostate cancer on the continent.
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Nigeria, with experts estimating that about one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. The cancer is particularly prevalent in older men, with approximately six in 10 cases diagnosed in men over 65. However, the disease is rarely seen in men under 40, and the average age of diagnosis is 67. The risk of prostate cancer in Africa is exacerbated by delayed diagnoses and limited access to advanced treatment options, often forcing patients to seek expensive medical care abroad.
The da Vinci robotic system used in the surgery offers a state-of-the-art solution to this challenge, providing surgeons with advanced precision and control. Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a renowned urological surgeon and founder of TPC, led the procedure at the clinic’s state-of-the-art facility in Lagos. The da Vinci robot is operated from a computer console, allowing the surgeon to manipulate the robot arms with exceptional accuracy, all without entering the patient’s body cavity with his hands. This minimally invasive approach reduces the risks associated with traditional open prostate surgery, which typically requires a large abdominal incision.Related News
In an interview following the surgery, Prof Ekwueme described the revolutionary benefits of robotic prostate surgery. “With this technology, the surgeon operates with 3D vision and unparalleled control. The precision offered by the da Vinci system allows us to perform the procedure with much less invasiveness than traditional methods, significantly reducing recovery time and complications,” he said.
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Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men globally, and Nigeria is experiencing a concerning rise in cases. Prof Ekwueme emphasised that family history plays a significant role in determining an individual’s risk. “If you have a family member with prostate cancer, you are three times more likely to develop it, and often at a younger age,” he noted. “Prostate cancer is more common in black men compared to other races, and the risk increases with age.”
TPC’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible treatment for prostate cancer in Nigeria and across Africa. Prof Ekwueme expressed his commitment to revolutionizing prostate cancer care by offering cutting-edge diagnostic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic procedures. “My goal is to make prostate surgery affordable and accessible to every man. I want to make history in Nigeria, ensuring that no man suffers or dies needlessly from prostate disease. We’re also focused on preserving sexual and bladder functions following surgery, combining early diagnosis with prompt, advanced treatment.”