By Stephen Simon
Nigeria has recorded its first tele-robotic surgery after a surgeon based in Ogun State remotely operated on a patient in Abuja, about 500 kilometres away.
The landmark procedure involved the removal of a cancerous kidney tumour through a robot-assisted right radical nephrectomy at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja.
Professor Ekwenna Davis, a Professor of Urology and Transplantation and Co-founder of RoboMed Global, performed the operation remotely from Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) in Mowe, Ogun State.
Using a Toumai robotic surgical console, Davis controlled the robotic system in Abuja in real time throughout the procedure, which lasted about three hours. The surgery was conducted through a collaboration between RHV and RoboMed Global.
Starlink satellite internet provided the primary connectivity for the operation, while MTN served as a backup connection to minimise the risk of communication failure during the procedure.
Davis described the operation as a pilot for using technology to expand access to specialist medical care, saying tele-robotic surgery could eventually reduce the need for patients to travel long distances or seek treatment abroad.
He also said the technology could enable highly skilled Nigerian surgeons living overseas to participate in complex procedures in the country without being physically present.
However, Davis identified internet stability and weather conditions as potential challenges, stressing that reliable connectivity and adequate safeguards would be essential for the wider adoption of remote surgery.
RHV Board Chairman, Dr Kunle Onakoya, said the robotic system does not perform surgery independently but remains under the direct control of a trained surgeon. He said the technology essentially magnifies the surgeon’s skills and precision while allowing the specialist to operate from a remote location.
