Neurosurgeons in London have performed the world's first successful AI-assisted operation to remove a brain tumour, saving the sight of a 48-year-old patient. The AI system analyzed live camera footage, helping identify critical structures near the tumour.
This pioneering surgery demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance precision and safety in complex medical procedures, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and the preservation of critical functions like sight.
Neurosurgeons in London have successfully performed the world's first AI-assisted operation to remove a brain tumour, preserving the sight of a 48-year-old patient. The procedure occurred in May at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), part of University College London hospitals NHS foundation trust, with details withheld until Thursday to allow for the patient's recovery.
The AI system, used for the first time on a patient after prior research applications, analyzed live camera footage during the surgery. It assisted the surgical team by color-coding critical structures such as nerves and blood vessels near the 11mm tumour on the patient's pituitary gland, helping surgeons to avoid them.
The patient, Rhys Hibbert, reported immediate improvement in his vision upon waking and was able to walk independently without aids within a week. He has since returned to his job as a customer service manager. The pituitary gland is a delicate area where precision is crucial to avoid severe complications like blindness or stroke.
Dr. Sophia Bano, the technical lead for the AI system and an associate professor at UCL, explained that the AI was trained on hundreds of surgical videos, exposing it to a vast range of surgical scenarios. This training enables it to recognize critical anatomy, instruments, and tissue interactions in real-time, thereby supporting surgeons in highly complex procedures.
Hibbert's symptoms, including severe hormone imbalance and vision problems, had worsened since his diagnosis in 2024, making the surgery necessary to prevent blindness. He noted the historical significance of the NHNN, founded in 1859 as the world's first dedicated neurosurgical hospital, performing this pioneering AI-assisted surgery.
Prof Mike Lewis, scientific director for innovation at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which funded the operation as part of a clinical trial, highlighted the surgery as a demonstration of AI's potential to enhance surgical support and patient care.