Key Points

• The Prostate Clinic performs Nigeria’s first UroLift surgery in Lagos.

• The procedure offers a safer, faster solution for prostate enlargement.

• Patients can now access advanced prostate treatment locally without traveling abroad

Nigeria has achieved a major leap in men’s health care as The Prostate Clinic in Lagos successfully performed the country’s first UroLift surgery, marking a new era in prostate treatment.

The historic procedure, led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a renowned consultant urological, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon, positions Nigeria as a rising hub for advanced urological care.

For decades, thousands of Nigerians have traveled abroad, spending billions of naira annually on prostate treatment.

But this breakthrough may end the heavy reliance on foreign hospitals and make world-class prostate care available at home.

UroLift surgery offers safer and faster prostate treatment

During the demonstration witnessed by Vanguard, the procedure was performed with precision and professionalism.

Using a telescope inserted through the urethra, the surgeon visualized the prostate and deployed small implants to lift and separate the enlarged tissue without removing any part.

The operation took less than an hour and required no cuts or tissue removal. Most notably, sexual function is fully preserved—a major concern for men facing prostate surgery.

“This is a truly historic day,” Prof. Ekwueme said. “I’ve performed the first UroLift procedure in Africa.

It’s minimally invasive, safe, and helps men regain urinary function without losing erection or ejaculation.”

He explained that the UroLift procedure is ideal for men whose prostate is under 80 millilitres and can be done under local or spinal anaesthesia. Patients can go home the same day.

Nigeria’s first UroLift surgery to reduce medical tourism

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in six Nigerian men will develop a prostate condition in their lifetime, and prostate cancer accounts for about 29 percent of all male cancers in the country.

Experts believe the introduction of Nigeria’s first UroLift surgery could drastically reduce this burden.

Ekwueme said many Nigerians seek prostate treatment abroad and often face exploitation or poor follow-up.

“With the UroLift now available here, men can get quality care without traveling overseas,” he said.

He stressed that early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to avoid complications such as kidney failure or permanent bladder damage.

“The beauty of the UroLift is that it restores normal urinary function while preserving sexual health. For younger men who still plan to father children, this is life-changing,” Ekwueme said.

Clinic targets Africa’s prostate care leadership

The Prostate Clinic aims to make Nigeria the leading destination for prostate treatment in Africa.

“We’ve successfully launched robotic surgeries for prostate cancer, and now the first UroLift in Nigeria,” Ekwueme said.

“Our goal is to make Nigeria the prostate treatment hub of Africa.”

With this breakthrough, Nigerian men now have renewed hope for safer, faster, and affordable prostate treatment right at home.