By Kayode Adebayo, Lagos
The President of Kelina Hospital, Dr. Celsus Undie, says the Lagos-based medical facility performed 212 prostate surgeries in 2025, a feat he described as a major contribution to saving lives and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on medical tourism.
Undie, a consultant urological surgeon, disclosed this on Saturday during a news conference in Lagos while highlighting the hospital’s achievements in advanced urological care.
He said the surgeries addressed both prostate cancer and benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), noting that the figure represents the highest annual volume of prostate surgeries recorded by any hospital in Nigeria.
“By January 2026, Kelina Hospital reached 101 prostate cancer surgeries in exactly two years. Completing 100 prostate cancer surgeries within two years without a single mortality is worth celebrating and commemorating,” Undie said.
According to him, the milestone demonstrates the untapped potential of Nigeria’s healthcare system despite existing challenges.
Undie explained that the hospital remains committed to providing world-class treatment for surgical diseases, with particular emphasis on urological conditions.
Benign prostatic enlargement, he noted, is a non-cancerous condition common among ageing men and often leads to urinary difficulties and severe complications if left untreated.
“Untreated BPE can threaten kidney function, while prolonged catheter use increases the risk of infection and endangers patients’ overall wellbeing,” he said.
Undie identified Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) as the most effective surgical option for the condition, citing its lower complication rate.
“HoLEP results in less bleeding, shorter catheter time, reduced hospital stay and fewer blood transfusions. At the end of 2018, Kelina Hospital became the first in Nigeria to commence HoLEP surgery,” he said.
He added that the hospital has performed over 600 HoLEP procedures since 2019, recording a mortality rate below 0.2 per cent.
Citing data from the United States National Institutes of Health, Undie said surgical mortality rates typically range 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, especially considering our limitations,” he said.
The urologist stressed the importance of regular screening for early detection of prostate cancer, noting that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
On treatment options, he listed radical prostatectomy approaches, including open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures, describing robotic radical prostatectomy as the most advanced and precise.
“At present, we perform open radical prostatectomy only for kidney transplant patients. For all other cases, we carry out robotic radical prostatectomy exclusively,” he said.
Undie attributed the hospital’s success to effective teamwork, structured processes and strict adherence to safety protocols.
He called on the government to provide stronger support for the health sector, particularly as Kelina Hospital expands its services to further curb medical tourism.
He also urged authorities to exempt healthcare institutions from taxation, describing healthcare as a humanitarian service vital to national development.
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