Neurosurgeons in London have successfully carried out what health officials describe as the world’s first live artificial intelligence-assisted brain tumour removal, using a real-time AI system to help identify critical anatomy during surgery and protect a patient’s sight.
The operation was performed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), as part of a clinical trial involving AI technology developed by researchers at University College London.
The procedure took place in May, but it was announced publicly only after the patient had recovered.
The patient, 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert from Bedfordshire, underwent surgery to remove an 11-millimetre tumour from his pituitary gland after experiencing worsening vision problems and hormone imbalances.
Doctors said the tumour posed a serious risk to his eyesight and could eventually have led to blindness if left untreated.
During the operation, surgeons remained fully in control while the AI system analysed the live surgical video feed in real time.
The technology highlighted critical structures, including blood vessels and nerves responsible for vision, helping the surgical team navigate one of the brain’s most delicate regions.
Unlike conventional systems that rely primarily on preoperative scans, the AI provided continuous guidance based on what surgeons saw during the procedure.
Medical specialists noted that the pituitary gland is located in a tightly packed area at the base of the brain where blood vessels and optic nerves lie in close proximity.
Even a small error during surgery can result in severe complications, including blindness, stroke or death. The AI system was designed to support decision-making by identifying structures to avoid while surgeons removed as much of the tumour as safely possible.
The technology was developed by researchers at the UCL Hawkes Institute and trained using hundreds of recorded pituitary surgery videos.
According to the research team, the system learned to recognise anatomical structures, surgical instruments and tissue interactions, enabling it to provide real-time visual assistance during complex procedures.
Consultant neurosurgeon Professor Hani Marcus, who performed the surgery alongside surgical resident Danyal Khan, described the procedure as an important step in improving patient safety during high-risk operations.
Researchers said the trial represents an early demonstration of how AI can be integrated into surgical practice as a support tool rather than a replacement for human expertise.
Following the operation, Hibbert reported a significant improvement in his vision. Within a week, he was able to walk independently without the walking aids and visual assistance devices he had previously relied upon. He has since returned to work and continues to recover.
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The clinical trial was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with additional support from research and healthcare organisations including the UCLH Biomedical Research Centre.
Health officials said the achievement highlights the potential for advanced AI systems to assist surgeons in performing complex procedures with greater precision and safety.
While AI-assisted technologies have previously been used in surgical training and research settings, UCLH said this was the first time a neurosurgeon had been supported by a real-time AI system during a live brain tumour operation on a patient.
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Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.