Imo Performs First Robotic-assisted Surgery
·Uzodimma: Landmark procedure will make advanced healthcare more accessible, affordable Imo State has recorded a major breakthrough in healthcare delivery with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted surgery, making
Imo State made history by successfully performing its first robotic-assisted surgery at the Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre (IROC), marking a significant advancement in healthcare delivery for the region east of the Niger. The groundbreaking procedure was executed yesterday at the Imo Specialist Hospital Complex in Owerri by a team led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a UK-based consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon from Imo State.
The operation, described as a resounding success by Ekwueme, utilized robotic technology to enable surgeons to precisely remove cancerous tissues while preserving vital functions such as urinary and erectile control, thereby minimizing complications associated with traditional prostate surgery. Governor Uzodimma, who witnessed the landmark surgery, hailed it as a crucial step towards making high-quality and affordable specialized healthcare accessible to residents, emphasizing the center's role in early disease detection and prevention through routine medical examinations.
The Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the private sector contributing the majority of funding, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability and quality management. Governor Uzodimma urged citizens to join the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme to facilitate the affordability and accessibility of advanced medical treatments.
He stressed that the center's establishment was not solely about acquiring advanced equipment but equally focused on developing local expertise to operate and maintain the technology efficiently. Uzodimma highlighted that robotic-assisted surgeries offer precise, minimally invasive procedures with reduced blood loss and faster patient recovery times.
This milestone is just the beginning of Imo State's journey towards becoming a premier destination for specialized medical care.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
