London neurosurgeons perform first successful AI-assisted operation to remove brain tumour
Neurosurgeons at London’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery have carried out what health officials describe as the first successful AI-assisted brain tumour removal operation. The system analysed live camera footage to help the team identify delicate nerves and blood vessels, while surgeons retained full control; the case matters because minor errors in this area can cause blindness, stroke or death.
The operation took place in May on 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert, whose 11mm pituitary tumour had caused worsening hormone problems and impaired vision since his 2024 diagnosis. The AI, developed using hundreds of surgical videos and funded through an NIHR clinical trial, colour-coded important anatomy during surgery; Hibbert recovered his sight, walked independently within a week and has returned to work.
- London surgeons used AI to support a delicate brain tumour operation.
- The system highlighted critical anatomy in real time.
- The patient’s sight was saved after tumour removal.
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The pituitary is a small gland at the base of the brain that helps control the body’s hormones. Tumours there are often not cancerous, but they can press on nearby nerves and affect sight or hormone levels.
Removing a tumour near the pituitary can be delicate because important nerves and blood vessels lie close by. Surgeons use cameras and other tools to see the area, and damage to nearby structures can cause serious harm.
In this operation, an AI system highlighted anatomy in live camera footage to help the surgical team. The surgeons remained in control; the case is part of research into whether AI can support decisions during complex operations.