Nigeria has marked a significant advancement in healthcare technology with its first tele-robotic surgery. A surgeon in Ogun State successfully performed a robot-assisted right radical nephrectomy on a patient in Abuja, approximately 500 kilometres away. This groundbreaking procedure was a collaboration between Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV), RoboMed Global, and Nisa Premier Hospital. The surgery, which lasted about three hours, utilised a Chinese-made Toumai robotic surgical system.
The operation involved Professor Obi Ekwenna-Davis, a Professor of Urology and Transplantation, who remotely operated the robotic surgical system from Redeemer’s Health Village in Redemption City, Ogun State. The patient was at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja. Starlink provided the primary internet connection, while MTN broadband served as a backup. This technology allowed Professor Ekwenna-Davis to control the robotic equipment inside the patient in Abuja from the console in Ogun State, effectively performing the surgery as if the patient were next to him.
The procedure was a high-speed connection designed to minimise delays between the surgeon’s movements and the robotic arms carrying out the procedure on the patient. According to the medical team, the patient responded well to the procedure, with minimal blood loss recorded. The team stated that the patient had done exceptionally well and would likely be discharged the following day. This achievement demonstrates the potential of tele-robotic technology to enable specialists to provide surgical care to patients in locations where particular expertise may not be readily available.
The use of robotic surgery could reduce trauma associated with conventional surgery and potentially shorten hospital stays. Dr Adedamola Dada, Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, highlighted these benefits. The development is also being viewed as a step towards expanding access to specialist surgical expertise beyond major medical centres. This technology could significantly improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria and West Africa.
Dr Kunle Onakoya, Chairman of Redeemer’s Health Village, described the development as a significant moment for the hospital and Nigerian healthcare. He expressed gratitude that such technology is available in Nigeria and at Redeemer’s Health Hospital. Onakoya noted that the hospital is working towards making advanced medical technology more accessible within Nigeria. This milestone is expected to pave the way for more widespread adoption of tele-robotic surgery.
The Chief Operating Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr Laura Ade, mentioned that the objective was to leverage technology to enhance healthcare delivery. The successful tele-robotic surgery demonstrates the hospital's commitment to providing cutting-edge medical care. This achievement is a testament to the collaboration and innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The first tele-robotic surgery in Nigeria is a significant step forward for the country's healthcare system. It showcases the potential for technology to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, especially in rural or underserved areas. As Nigeria continues to advance in healthcare technology, patients are likely to benefit from improved access to specialist care.
Key points
- - Nigeria records its first tele-robotic surgery with a surgeon in Ogun State operating on a patient in Abuja. - The procedure was a robot-assisted right radical nephrectomy to remove a cancerous kidney tumour. - The technology could expand access to specialist surgical expertise beyond major medical centres.
