Historic Feat: Nigeria Unleashes First Tele-Robotic Surgery, Patient Operated Remotely!

Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in healthcare technology with its first tele-robotic surgery, where a surgeon located in Ogun State remotely operated on a patient in Abuja. This groundbreaking procedure, a robot-assisted right radical nephrectomy performed to remove a cancerous kidney tumour, represents a major leap forward for healthcare in Nigeria and West Africa. The operation was a collaborative effort involving Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV), RoboMed Global, and Nisa Premier Hospital.

During the procedure, the patient remained at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja, while the surgeon controlled a robotic surgical system from the Redeemer’s Health Village facility in Redemption City, Ogun State, approximately 500 kilometres away. The surgery, which lasted about three hours, utilized the Chinese-made Toumai robotic surgical system. Connectivity was crucial, with Starlink providing the primary internet connection and MTN broadband serving as a reliable backup.

Professor Obi Ekwenna-Davis, Professor of Urology and Transplantation, led the surgical team. He explained the technology allowed him to meticulously control the robotic equipment inside the patient in Abuja from his console in Ogun State, effectively performing the surgery as if the patient were physically present beside him. The operation was facilitated by a high-speed connection engineered to minimize any delays between the surgeon's precise movements and the robotic arms' actions on the patient.

The medical team reported that the patient responded exceptionally well to the procedure, experiencing minimal blood loss and making a strong recovery. This positive outcome demonstrates the immediate benefits of such advanced surgical methods, which, according to Dr. Adedamola Dada, CEO of Redeemer’s Health Village, can reduce trauma associated with conventional surgery and potentially shorten hospital stays. The development is widely seen as a crucial step towards expanding access to specialist surgical expertise beyond major medical centres.

Dr. Kunle Onakoya, Chairman of Redeemer’s Health Village, expressed immense gratification, highlighting the availability of such cutting-edge technology in Nigeria. He emphasized the hospital's commitment to making advanced medical solutions more accessible within the country. Dr. Laura Ade, Chief Operating Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, affirmed that the objective extends beyond a mere demonstration; it aims to establish a sustainable system for delivering advanced healthcare in Nigeria. She noted that rapid patient recovery after robotic procedures has boosted confidence in the technology and expressed hope that it would encourage Nigerians in the diaspora to seek advanced medical care at home.

The successful completion of this tele-robotic surgery involved a multidisciplinary team from both locations, with medical and operations personnel from Redeemer’s Health Village collaborating seamlessly with the team at Nisa Premier Hospital, RoboMed Global, and various technology partners. This landmark event not only signifies a profound advancement in the application of robotics and telecommunications to healthcare in Nigeria but also paves the way for the more widespread use of remotely delivered specialist procedures, offering vital access to highly specialized surgeons for patients who might otherwise face significant travel barriers.