Neurosurgeons at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London completed what health officials described as the world’s first successful AI-assisted operation to remove a brain tumor. The procedure took place in May on a 48-year-old patient, Rhys Hibbert, with details released publicly in late August following his recovery period.
During the operation, an artificial intelligence system analyzed live surgical footage to help identify vital anatomical structures including nerves and blood vessels in the vicinity of the tumor. The tumor, measuring 11 millimeters, was located on Hibbert’s pituitary gland—an area where precision is critical, as minor deviations can result in blindness, stroke, or death. The surgical team maintained full control throughout the procedure while the AI provided real-time support through color-coding of important structures to enhance visual recognition.
Hibbert initially managed his condition through non-surgical treatment following his diagnosis in 2024, but his symptoms progressively deteriorated, including severe hormonal imbalance and vision degradation. Without surgical intervention, he faced the prospect of losing his sight entirely. Following the operation, Hibbert experienced dramatic improvement, regaining clear vision and the ability to walk independently without assistive devices within one week. He has since returned to his position as a customer service manager.
The AI system was developed through analysis of hundreds of surgical videos, exposing it to diverse surgical scenarios. According to Dr. Sophia Bano, an associate professor in robotics and AI at University College London and technical lead for the system, the technology enables recognition of critical anatomy, surgical instruments, and tissue interactions during delicate procedures. While the hospital had previously employed the technology for research purposes, this marked the first clinical application on a patient.
Prof. Mike Lewis, scientific director for innovation at the National Institute for Health and Care Research, which funded the operation as part of a clinical trial, characterized the procedure as pioneering and highlighted the potential for advanced AI systems to enhance surgical outcomes and patient care.
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