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The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi has etched its name in medical history by successfully performing its first-ever laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy on a Cameroonian patient diagnosed with achalasia cardia—a rare swallowing disorder that constricts the esophagus and blocks normal food passage. Led by Dr. Bamidele Omolabake, the groundbreaking minimally invasive surgery marks a quantum leap in BSUTH’s surgical capabilities, elevating it among elite institutions equipped to handle complex procedures across the region.
The patient, who had suffered debilitating symptoms for years, was discharged just two days post-operation in stable condition, with all symptoms fully resolved. Dr. Christian Agbo, Head of the Surgery Department, confirmed the milestone, emphasizing that this was the first time BSUTH had undertaken such an advanced laparoscopic intervention. “The patient’s rapid recovery and complete symptom relief stand as powerful proof of our multidisciplinary team’s precision, skill, and the hospital’s upgraded infrastructure,” he stated.
Chief Medical Director Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande praised the surgical team, calling the feat a vivid demonstration of BSUTH’s rising clinical excellence and unwavering commitment to world-class healthcare delivery in Benue State. He extended special gratitude to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his sustained investment in modern medical equipment, without which this surgery would not have been possible.
This achievement is more than a medical victory—it’s a statement. In a state often challenged by brain drain and resource constraints, BSUTH is proving that local institutions can rival national and even international standards. The use of cutting-edge laparoscopic technology not only reduces recovery time and scarring but also minimizes risks, making advanced care accessible to ordinary citizens and, in this case, a patient from beyond Nigeria’s borders.
As word spreads, BSUTH’s success is expected to boost medical tourism within the North Central region while inspiring confidence among Benue residents that complex health issues no longer require travel to Abuja, Lagos, or abroad. Under Governor Alia’s leadership, healthcare transformation is no longer a slogan—it’s a scalpel in action, saving lives one precise incision at a time.
