Imo State has recorded a major milestone in healthcare with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted precision surgery, becoming the first state in the South-East to perform the procedure.
The surgery, carried out on Friday at the Imo State Robotic and Oncology Centre in Owerri, was performed on a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A United Kingdom-based Consultant Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, led a team of specialists from the United Kingdom, United States and Belgium during the operation.
Speaking after the procedure, Ekwueme described the development as a significant breakthrough for healthcare delivery in the state, noting that the project was established through a Public-Private Partnership with the Imo State Government.
According to him, the robotic system used for the operation is equipped with artificial intelligence and can magnify tissues up to 10 times, enabling surgeons to operate with greater precision while reducing damage to surrounding tissues.
He said the successful operation recorded no blood loss or nerve damage, adding that the technology would improve outcomes for patients undergoing complex procedures.
Ekwueme explained that the robotic system has seven degrees of freedom, similar to the human hand, allowing it to perform movements with a level of precision that is difficult to achieve through conventional open surgery.
He further disclosed that the system comes with multiple safety checks designed to reduce the possibility of errors during surgery.
The surgeon said the centre would also provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment, describing the combination of robotic surgery and oncology services as a major development in the region.
He expressed emotion over the opportunity to bring advanced surgical technology to his home region, saying the development would reduce the need for patients to travel abroad or to other parts of Nigeria for specialised treatment.
Speaking at the event, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the initiative was part of his administration’s investment in modern healthcare infrastructure, specialist services and medical technology.
Uzodimma said the partnership would not only provide access to advanced surgical procedures but also expose medical personnel in the state to modern surgical techniques.
He added that the state government was committed to reducing the financial and emotional burden on residents who travel outside Imo in search of specialised medical care.
The governor also said efforts were being made through the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme to enable more residents to access quality healthcare without being overwhelmed by treatment costs.
He commended Professor Ekwueme, the management and staff of the Imo State Robotic and Oncology Centre for the successful commencement of robotic surgery in the state.
The development marks a significant step in Imo State’s efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare and position the state as a destination for advanced medical treatment in the South-East.
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