By Peter Dibia
In a historic medical breakthrough, Imo State has recorded another major milestone in healthcare delivery with the successful completion of its first robotic assisted prostate cancer surgery at the newly established Robotic Surgery and Oncology Centre.
The landmark procedure was performed by a United Kingdom based Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, marking a significant development in the state’s efforts to provide advanced and specialised medical services to its people.
Imo State, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has again witnessed a major transformation in the healthcare sector, with the state becoming the first in the South East and the second in Nigeria to establish a Robotic Surgery and Oncology Centre of this nature.
Professor Ekwueme, who led the team that performed the first successful robotic assisted prostate cancer surgery in the state, described the development as a major step towards bringing world class medical technology and specialised healthcare services closer to Nigerians, particularly residents of Imo State and the South East.
The centre, which was established through a Public Private Partnership, is another signature investment of the Governor Hope Uzodimma administration in the health sector, with the objective of strengthening specialised healthcare delivery and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state or country in search of advanced medical treatment.
Located within the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, the Robotic Surgery and Oncology Centre is strategically positioned to provide comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment and surgical services under one roof.
Speaking shortly after performing the historic operation, Professor Ekwueme said he was attracted to the vision of the Imo State Government when he was approached to be part of the initiative.
According to him, the vision of the governor to transform healthcare facilities in the state into modern centres capable of delivering services comparable to what is obtainable in advanced countries was a major factor that encouraged him to partner with the state government.
Professor Ekwueme, who spoke with a group of journalists who witnessed the first robotic surgery in the state, expressed satisfaction with the successful outcome of the procedure, describing the operation as an important beginning for the centre and a demonstration of what the new technology can achieve in specialised medical care.
He further disclosed that the Oncology Centre would provide treatment for various forms of cancer affecting men, women and children, stressing that the services to be provided would be comprehensive and holistic.
He noted that one of the major advantages of having the Robotic Surgery Centre and the Oncology Centre within the same facility was that patients would have access to a broad range of specialised services in one location.
According to him, while such facilities are sometimes located in different places in other parts of the world, the Imo State centre brings the services together in one location, thereby creating a more coordinated and convenient system of care for patients.
Expressing his excitement over the successful completion of the first operation, Professor Ekwueme said, “Today is a very special day, We have just finished our first surgical operation on a young man who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the operation was successful. He is a young man, and once he is fully recovered, he will return to his young wife and continue his responsibilities as a husband.”
The professor further emphasised the efficiency and precision of the Da Vinci robotic surgical system used for the procedure, explaining that the technology provides high definition, three dimensional imaging which enables surgeons to carry out complex and delicate procedures with a high level of precision.
He explained that the system is particularly useful in procedures where extreme accuracy is required, as it allows surgeons to work within very small and delicate areas of the body while reducing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues.
Professor Ekwueme also highlighted the ability of the robotic arms to mimic natural hand movements, noting that the system provides seven degrees of freedom of movement, thereby allowing the surgeon to perform intricate procedures with enhanced precision and control.
He said the technology could contribute significantly to improved surgical outcomes, faster recovery and reduced trauma for patients, particularly in complex urological and cancer related procedures.
Another major advantage of the robotic system, he explained, is its capacity to minimise blood loss during surgery, thereby reducing the possibility of complications associated with significant blood loss and, in appropriate cases, reducing the need for blood transfusion.
Professor Ekwueme disclosed that the first patient who underwent the robotic assisted prostate cancer surgery was expected to be discharged within 24 hours, subject to the medical team’s assessment of his condition.
He added that the patient was expected to recover with minimal scarring and without the need for a blood transfusion, further demonstrating the benefits of minimally invasive robotic surgery.
The commencement of full operations at the Robotic Surgery and Oncology Centre therefore represents a significant addition to the healthcare infrastructure of Imo State and another indication of the administration’s commitment to expanding access to specialised and technology driven medical services.
With the successful completion of the first robotic assisted prostate cancer surgery, the centre has officially begun what is expected to be a new chapter in advanced surgical and cancer care in Imo State, bringing modern medical technology closer to patients and strengthening the state’s position as an emerging destination for specialised healthcare services in the South East.
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