Isolo Hospital performs first minimally invasive mid-ear surgery in Lagos

By Caleb Ohaeri

General Hospital Isolo has etched its name in the annals of medical history in Lagos State following the successful performance of the first ever invasive endoscopic reconstructive middle-ear surgery in the state.

The landmark procedure, carried out by the hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) team, marks a breakthrough in the management of chronic ear conditions, particularly chronic mucopurulent ear discharge, a condition prevalent across Africa and especially common in Nigeria.

Chronic ear discharge is often associated with a perforated tympanic membrane, commonly known as a ruptured eardrum. While most cases are managed medically, a definitive cure has remained elusive due to the technical complexity of treatment and the shortage of highly skilled personnel.

However, this narrative changed at General Hospital Isolo with the successful introduction of minimally invasive endoscopic reconstructive middle-ear surgery, also known as tympanoplasty.

The historic procedures were carried out in collaboration with Dr. Nkemjika Benjamin, a highly skilled Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon based in the United Arab Emirates.

He worked alongside the hospital’s management team, ENT consultant Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye, scrub nurses and anaesthesiologists to achieve the feat.

According to medical experts, the endoscopic technique represents a significant advancement over conventional open surgeries.

It allows surgeons to access and reconstruct delicate middle-ear structures with minimal incision, reduced tissue damage, shorter recovery time and improved cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Post-operative assessments of the first set of patients have been highly encouraging. The newly reconstructed eardrums have remained stable, and patients are recording significant improvement in hearing function and overall ear health.

“The first set of patients is doing remarkably well, with positive ear outcomes recorded so far,” the hospital confirmed, noting that the success of the procedures signals a new era in ENT care in Lagos State.

The achievement has been widely praised within the medical community as a major stride in local capacity building and advanced surgical care, reducing the need for patients to seek such specialised treatment abroad.

Commending the team, the Public Affairs Unit, led by Mordi Patricia, alongside Dr. Adebayo Adefolaseye, lauded the professionalism, dedication and teamwork that culminated in the success.

Special recognition was also given to the hospital’s management team, ably led by the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Saliu Oseni, for providing the enabling environment, logistical support and leadership that made the historic surgeries possible.

“As we move into our final week, the ENT team will continue to give its very best,” the statement assured, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to sustaining high-quality specialist care.

With this breakthrough, General Hospital Isolo has not only set a new standard in ENT surgery in Lagos but has also reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s growing capacity to deliver world-class healthcare services locally.