The General Hospital, Ezzamgbo, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has successfully performed its first Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), marking a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare delivery.
The procedure, a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat enlarged prostate, was carried out on Monday by a team of urologists under the supervision of the resident doctor, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Edeaja, with the support of other medical personnel at the facility.
According to Edeaja who spoke on behalf of the hospital, the patient, one Nwabueze Moses, had suffered from severe symptomatic prostate enlargement for several years and had been dependent on a suprapubic urinary catheter after conservative treatment failed.
Unlike conventional open surgery, the TURP procedure was performed without making an external incision.
The doctor explained that a telescope was inserted through the urethra, enabling surgeons to remove the enlarged prostate tissue under real-time visual guidance while minimising blood loss.
He said the technique is safer than open prostate surgery, significantly reducing the risk of surgical site infections, postoperative complications, and recovery time.
He added, “Patients undergoing the procedure can typically be discharged within three days, compared to about two weeks for conventional surgery.”
The hospital attributed the achievement to ongoing investments in healthcare by the Ebonyi State Government, particularly in strengthening the capacity of health institutions through collaboration with specialist consultants within and outside the state.
“We are optimistic that sustained government support and partnerships with tertiary health institutions would pave the way for more specialised surgical procedures across the state,” the hospital added.