By Oluwafunke Ishola
The President of Kelina Hospital, Dr Celsus Undie, says the facility performed 212 prostate surgeries in 2025, helping to save lives and curb medical tourism.
Undie, a consultant urological surgeon, disclosed this on Saturday during a news conference in Lagos, highlighting the hospital’s efforts in reducing medical tourism.
He said the surgeries addressed prostate cancer and benign prostatic enlargement, describing it as the highest annual prostate surgery volume by any Nigerian hospital.
“By January 2026, Kelina Hospital reached 101 prostate cancer surgeries in exactly two years.
“Completing 100 prostate cancer surgeries in two years without a single mortality is worth celebrating and commemorating,” he said.
He said the milestone proved that Nigeria’s healthcare system still holds significant potential in spite of prevailing challenges.
Undie noted that the hospital remained focused on delivering the most effective treatments for surgical diseases, particularly in urological care.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that benign prostatic enlargement is a non-cancerous condition common in ageing men, often causing urinary difficulties and serious complications.
According to Undie, untreated cases can threaten kidney function, with prolonged catheter use increasing infection risks and endangering overall wellbeing.
He said Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, known as HoLEP, was the most effective surgical option with fewer complications.
“HoLEP causes less bleeding, shorter catheter time, reduced hospital stay and fewer blood transfusions.
“At the end of 2018, Kelina Hospital became Nigeria’s first hospital to commence HoLEP surgery.
“We have performed over 600 HoLEP procedures since 2019, with a mortality rate below 0.2 per cent,” he said.
He cited National Institutes of Health data showing surgical mortality rates ranging between 3.2 and 6 per cent across hospital categories.
“Our mortality rate, which is under one per cent, is something we are extremely proud of, considering our limitations,” Undie said.
He stressed the importance of regular screening for early detection of prostate cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
On early-stage prostate cancer, Undie listed radical prostatectomy options, including open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures.
He said robotic radical prostatectomy was the most advanced and precise method, noting that all three options were available at Kelina Hospital.
“At present, we perform open radical prostatectomy only for kidney transplant patients.
“For all other patients, we carry out robotic radical prostatectomy exclusively,” Undie said.
He attributed the hospital’s success to teamwork, structured processes and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Undie called for stronger government support as the hospital expands services to reverse medical tourism.
He urged authorities to exempt the health sector from taxation, describing healthcare as a humanitarian service essential for national development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
