Nigeria's Redeemer's Health Village (RHV) has successfully performed West Africa's first telerobotic surgery, marking a significant milestone in the country's healthcare sector. The procedure, a right radical nephrectomy, was carried out in collaboration with RoboMed Global and Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja. This innovative surgery allows a surgeon to operate on a patient from another location, expanding access to complex procedures.
The telerobotic surgery was performed by RHV surgeons remotely operating on a patient at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja, 500km away. The surgical robot at Abuja hospital was connected to the robotic control system at RHV through an internet connection. This technology enables surgeons to operate on patients in different locations, providing precision healthcare and bridging geographical barriers.
According to Dr. Adedamola Dada, CEO of RHV, the successful telerobotic procedure signals a new dawn in Nigeria's healthcare sector. He described it as a huge breakthrough and the first time telesurgery has been done in West Africa. Dada emphasized that this technology can help address complex medical cases, even when the required manpower is not available locally.
On the same day, RHV also performed a robotic-assisted pyeloplasty surgery on a 28-year-old patient. The procedure aimed to reconstruct the pelvis, remove obstructions, and ensure free urine flow. Dr. Dada noted that the surgery was a success, with the urine flowing freely immediately after the procedure. This demonstrates the potential of robotic surgery in treating various medical conditions.
Dr. Dada urged the Federal Government to support the training of medical professionals in robotic surgery, emphasizing that developing local manpower is crucial to sustaining the country's growing adoption of the technology. He suggested that government support through sponsorship and scholarships would enable more surgeons, nurses, and biomedical engineers to acquire the necessary skills.
Prof. Obi Davies-Ekwenna, the robotic surgeon who led the procedure, highlighted the significance of the feat in bridging geographical barriers and expanding access to complex procedures across Nigeria. He noted that telesurgery can be done from any part of the world with precision and excellent results, providing access to experts from within and outside the country.
The RHV Board Chairman, Dr. Kunle Onokoya, emphasized that robotic surgery has made many previously inoperable procedures possible. He noted that robot-assisted surgery reduces risks associated with traditional surgery, enabling successful outcomes for patients who would have otherwise been considered high-risk. This development is expected to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
Key points
- West Africa's first telerobotic surgery was performed by Redeemer's Health Village across a distance of 500km.
- The procedure, a right radical nephrectomy, was carried out in collaboration with RoboMed Global and Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja.
- The technology has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and expand access to complex procedures across Nigeria.
