Nisa Premier Hospital Executes West Africa's First Tele-Robotic Surgery

Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja has achieved a significant milestone by conducting the first tele-robotic surgery in Nigeria and West Africa, in partnership with RoboMed Global and The Redeemer’s Health Village. The surgery, which involved the removal of a kidney affected by cancer, was performed by Professor Obi Ekwenna-Davis, who operated the robotic surgical platform remotely from Lagos.

The procedure lasted approximately three hours, and the patient has since been discharged, with details about their identity and condition withheld for privacy. Dr Ibrahim Wada, CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital, emphasized the potential of tele-robotic surgery to connect specialized surgical expertise with patients across Nigeria, potentially reducing the need for international medical travel.

He noted that robotic surgery offers benefits such as smaller incisions and shorter recovery times. Wada also highlighted the importance of patient safety in telesurgery, comparing it to the aviation industry, where automated systems are overseen by pilots.