‘My experience as Nigeria’s first robotic surgery patient’

Nigeria’s first-ever robotic surgery patient, Pastor Alexander Idachama, has recounted the experience of undergoing a radical prostatectomy with the assistance of surgical robotics.

He underwent the procedure, which attracted global applause, at the Redeemer’s Health Village Hospital located in Redemption City, Ogun State.

Speaking on his experiences in a social media post, Idachama explained he learnt about the hospital through its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adedamola Dada and decided to undergo the procedure there.  

He said: “I arrived at the hospital in the last week of August and was taken through a series of orientation sessions to acquaint me with the surgical process.

‘’The experience was a good one. We also discussed the possibility of prostatectomy with Dr Dada who told me there ia a robotic procedure that can take place in the Redeemer’s Health village and I decided that was the best option rather than flying out of the country. That is how the journey started.

‘’I had a meeting with the team which explained to me what the procedure was all about. What I should expect pre-procedure and what I should expect during the procedure and post-procedure.

‘’Incidentally, I’m the first person on the robot that was brought in and I came consider it a great grace of God who gave me that opportunity. The procedure went well and I came out of the procedure, I had slight pain but the moment I got medication, I have not had any pain up till now. I will be leaving very soon less than 24 hours after the procedure and I am quite good and excited about it.

‘’I am quite impressed because I know that the robot that was brought in was a world class robot and being a robot-assisted prostatectomy accuracy is guaranteed and everything went well. And I am happy to be here.’’