London neurosurgeons perform first successful AI-assisted operation to remove brain tumour

Neurosurgeons in London have successfully performed the world's first AI-assisted brain tumor removal surgery, saving the sight of a 48-year-old man named Rhys Hibbert. The operation took place at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, a part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The surgery was conducted in May, though details were not disclosed until recently while Hibbert recovered.

During the procedure, the AI system analyzed real-time camera footage to identify critical anatomy, such as nerves and blood vessels, that needed to be avoided near the 11mm (0.4in) tumor on Hibbert's pituitary gland. Once the patient awoke, he reported having a 360-degree panoramic view of his surroundings, stating, "It feels like I've got a 360-degree panoramic view of everything around me."

Hibbert, who works as a customer service manager, returned to work within a week following the surgery. The AI technology employs color-coding to help surgeons recognize important structures safely. This is the first time such technology has been used on a patient at the hospital, which previously utilized the system for research purposes only.

The pituitary gland, blood vessels, and nerves controlling vision are closely packed, with even a millimeter's error potentially leading to severe consequences, including blindness, stroke, or death. Dr. Sophia Bano, a robotics and AI expert at UCL and the technical lead for the AI system, explained that the technology has been trained on hundreds of surgical videos, enabling it to recognize critical anatomy, surgical instruments, and tissue interactions in real-time, thus supporting surgeons during delicate procedures.

Hibbert initially underwent non-surgical management for his condition since his diagnosis in 2024, which included severe hormone imbalance and vision issues. However, his symptoms worsened, and he faced the risk of losing his sight if the tumor was not removed. The hospital, founded in 1859 as the world's first dedicated neurosurgical hospital, is now recognized for being the world's first to carry out an AI-assisted neurosurgery.

Prof. Mike Lewis, the scientific director for innovation at the National Institute for Health and Care Research, which funded the operation as part of a clinical trial, highlighted the potential of advanced AI to support surgeons and enhance patient care.