Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme Performs Africa’s First UroLift Procedure In Lagos
Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a Nigerian consultant in urology, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, has successfully carried out Africa’s first UroLift procedure in Lagos, marking a milestone in prostate enlargement treatment and medical innovation in the region.
The surgery took place at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, introducing a minimally invasive technique that treats benign prostate enlargement while preserving sexual function.
Ekwueme said the procedure is a major advancement for Nigeria and Africa’s healthcare system, providing a safer alternative to traditional surgeries, which often come with side effects.
“The UroLift works by lifting and securing the enlarged prostate tissue to open the urinary channel without cutting or removing tissue,” he explained. “This allows men to maintain normal sexual and reproductive functions, which has been a concern for younger patients.”
Not all patients qualify for the procedure. Men with a prostate volume of 80 millilitres or less may be eligible after thorough screening to rule out cancer or other complications.
He warned that untreated prostate enlargement, though usually non-cancerous, can lead to frequent urination, incontinence, or complete urinary blockage that may require catheterisation. If left untreated, it could cause permanent bladder damage or kidney failure.
The UroLift procedure can be done under local or spinal anesthesia, allowing patients to return home within hours or by the next day.
