Nigerian Doctor Develops Innovative Surgical Scoring System to Improve Patient Outcomes

A Nigerian medical expert and founder GrandvilleTrauma Center, Dr. Aranmolate Rasheed Ayobami, has developed a groundbreaking surgical diagnostic tool that could transform patient care and significantly reduce complications during and after surgeries.

The tool, known as the Surgical Operative and Postoperative Diagnostics Scoring System (SOPSS), is designed to assist surgeons in making more informed decisions throughout the surgical process. According to Dr. Ayobami, the SOPSS model is a simplified, comprehensive system that assesses patients based on five crucial factors: surgical complexity, associated risks, infection probability, surgeon expertise, and the urgency of the operation.

Unlike traditional global methods, which can be complex and time-consuming, SOPSS offers a single, easy-to-calculate score that gives a holistic view of a patient’s condition. “Our hospitals need diagnostic tools that are fast, dependable, and simple to use, especially in emergency cases where time is critical,” Dr. Ayobami told journalists. “This system is adaptable and can function even in primary healthcare settings with limited equipment.”

The innovation comes at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with significant challenges, including brain drain, underfunded hospitals, and a shortage of essential medical infrastructure. Medical observers have noted that SOPSS could help bridge existing gaps by improving pre- and postoperative assessments, even in rural clinics.

Some teaching hospitals in Nigeria have already expressed interest in adopting the system on a pilot basis, citing its potential to reduce surgical mortality, particularly in cases where patients arrive at health facilities late.

However, Dr. Ayobami stressed the need for government and private sector support to scale the innovation. “Nigeria is filled with brilliant minds solving local problems, but without funding, favourable policies, and access to medical equipment, these ideas may never reach their full potential,” he said. He also called for a reduction in import tariffs on medical devices and improved training opportunities for healthcare professionals.

Plans are underway to develop a digital version of SOPSS that can integrate with hospital electronic systems. Dr. Ayobami and his team are currently seeking partnerships to expand the technology’s reach nationwide.

If fully adopted, SOPSS could place Nigeria at the forefront of medical innovation in Africa and beyond, offering a locally developed solution with global impact.