Robotic Surgery in Nigeria Saves 100 Prostate Cancer Patients in One Year as Medical Tourism Declines

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is witnessing a major shift as advanced robotic surgery for prostate cancer continues to deliver life-saving results locally, reducing the need for medical tourism abroad.

A leading example is The Prostate Centre (TPC), a specialist facility in Nigeria that has successfully treated 100 prostate cancer patients within its first year of operation, using state-of-the-art robotic surgical technology.

Robotic Surgery Expands Access to Advanced Cancer Treatment in Nigeria

The centre’s milestone highlights growing access to modern urological care in the country, with patients now benefiting from minimally invasive robotic procedures that offer faster recovery and improved outcomes.

At its first anniversary event, the centre brought together survivors who shared personal recovery stories, underscoring the impact of early diagnosis and advanced treatment.

Patients Share Survival Stories After Robotic Surgery

Retired Major General Enenche John Enenche described how a routine PSA test revealed a dangerously high reading of 14.2, prompting urgent intervention.

Following consultation with Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, founder of TPC, he underwent a four-hour robotic surgery.

“I walked into the hospital and walked out. My recovery was fast, and my quality of life was preserved,” he said.

He also urged men over 40 to undergo regular prostate screening, warning that late diagnosis remains a major cause of death.

Other patients echoed similar experiences:

• Emmanuel Okolie (Canada) travelled back to Nigeria for treatment and reported successful recovery
• Innocent Ihebuzor said symptoms such as frequent urination disappeared after surgery
• Patients from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the UK, and the U.S. also reported positive outcomes

Reducing Medical Tourism Through Local Innovation

According to TPC Chairman Francis Ogboro, the centre’s achievement reflects Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver world-class medical care.

“Treating 100 patients in one year shows that global-standard healthcare is now available locally,” he said.

He added that patient recovery stories have become the centre’s strongest form of credibility and public trust.

Experts Warn: Late Diagnosis Still a Major Challenge

Founder Professor Kingsley Ekwueme emphasized that prostate cancer remains a major health challenge in Nigeria, largely due to late detection.

He noted that over 80% of Nigerian cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, compared to countries with stronger screening systems.

He also addressed common misconceptions:

• There is no proven diet that prevents prostate cancer
• Risk factors include age, genetics, and ethnicity
• Fear of treatment often leads to dangerous delays

“Many men fear losing sexual function, but the greater risk is losing their lives,” he explained.

Nigeria Emerging as a Regional Hub for Advanced Prostate Care

Ekwueme added that Nigeria is gradually becoming a destination for advanced prostate cancer treatment, with patients traveling from across Africa, Europe, and North America.

He stated that the long-term goal is to eliminate the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad by expanding access to robotic surgery nationwide.

Conclusion

The success of robotic prostate surgery in Nigeria marks a significant step forward in the country’s healthcare transformation. With improved technology, early screening, and increased awareness, experts say survival rates can continue to improve while reducing dependence on foreign medical treatment.

Health professionals are urging Nigerian men to prioritize routine prostate checks, especially after age 40, as early detection remains the most effective way to prevent complications.