AI assists surgeons in first-ever brain tumor removal, restoring patient's sight

In a landmark medical achievement, neurosurgeons in London have completed the first-ever operation to remove a brain tumor with the aid of artificial intelligence. The procedure, conducted at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, successfully restored the eyesight of a 48-year-old patient, Rhys Hibbert.

“

Without surgery, Rhys’ tumour would have continued to threaten his sight and could ultimately have led to blindness. The operation successfully removed the tumour and protected his vision.

The AI technology, developed at University College London, analyzed a live surgical video feed in real time. It alerted the surgical team to critical structures near the brain tumor, enabling them to make more precise decisions. This assistance was crucial in the delicate area around the pituitary gland, which is about the size of a marble and surrounded by vital blood vessels and nerves controlling vision.

"Without surgery, Rhys’ tumour would have continued to threaten his sight and could ultimately have led to blindness. The operation successfully removed the tumour and protected his vision," stated hospital officials. The AI tool not only helped identify risky areas to avoid but also has the potential to track surgical instruments during procedures.

“

The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery was founded in 1859 and was the world’s first dedicated neurosurgical hospital. So to me, it seems very fitting that the same hospital should also be the world’s first to carry out an AI‑assisted neurosurgery.

Hibbert, a customer services manager, described his experience as "humbling." He noted the historical significance of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, founded in 1859 as the world's first dedicated neurosurgical hospital. "So to me, it seems very fitting that the same hospital should also be the world’s first to carry out an AI‑assisted neurosurgery," he said.

“

I’m very pleased to have had the opportunity to be cared for in the hospital… I’m also very humbled to have been asked if I’ll be prepared to be the world’s first patient in this research.

U.K. Health Innovation Minister James Frith hailed the operation as "an example of AI at its best." He added, "patients getting care previously deemed unimaginable thanks to the latest groundbreaking technology."

“

This is an example of AI at its best: patients getting care previously deemed unimaginable thanks to the latest groundbreaking technology.