World’s First AI-Assisted Brain Surgery Patient Has Tumour Successfully Removed

Rhys Hibbert, a father of two from Bedfordshire, has become the first patient in the world to undergo brain surgery with live artificial intelligence assistance. Surgeons at University College London Hospital said the operation successfully removed his tumour and could have prevented the loss of his sight.

The AI system analysed footage from the operation in real time, helping surgeons identify the likely locations of critical blood vessels and nerves that could not be seen directly. The technology helped the team determine where it was safest to remove the tumour while allowing surgeons to remain fully in control.

“From a patient safety perspective, I can see absolutely the benefit. There are no road signs inside our head,” said Hibbert. The 48-year-old customer services manager said he had been fit and healthy until around 18 months ago, regularly taking a two-mile walk during his lunch break.

AI-Assisted Brain Surgery Helps Surgeons Navigate Hidden Structures

Hibbert’s life changed when he collapsed and began fitting in the street during one of his walks. A scan showed an 11mm non-cancerous tumour on his pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of the skull that produces hormones involved in functions including growth, metabolism, blood pressure and temperature regulation.

The pituitary gland is located close to the carotid arteries and optic nerves, making surgery particularly delicate. As Hibbert’s tumour grew, it began pressing against his optic nerves and affected his peripheral vision.

Although immediate surgery was not initially required, Hibbert began experiencing dizziness, extreme tiredness and problems with his balance. “For 18 years of married life I've always got out of bed and made my wife a cup of coffee,” he said, adding, “and I wasn't going to let this tumour stop that.”

AI Brain Surgery Tool Acts As A Second Pair Of Eyes

The operation was carried out through Hibbert’s nose using an endoscope, a thin camera that allowed surgeons to reach the base of the skull. The tumour was concealed behind bone and a tough membrane, making it difficult to identify the safest route for removal, particularly because anatomy varies between patients.

Surgeons faced a 25–50% possibility of leaving some of the tumour behind, while the risk of damaging a major blood vessel was estimated at 0.5–2%. The AI system was designed to help reduce those risks by analysing the live surgical video and identifying where important anatomical structures were likely to be.

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Researchers trained the technology using hundreds of videos of pituitary tumour operations. “It is trained on more operations than most surgeons see or do in a lifetime and can act like an expert second pair of eyes,” said Prof Hani Marcus, who helped perform the procedure.

The system appeared on a separate screen during surgery, tracking instruments and marking areas where blood vessels and nerves were most likely to be located. The researchers compared its function to facial-recognition technology, except that it was designed to identify key anatomical structures that may be hidden from direct view.

AI Brain Surgery Research Moves Towards Larger Clinical Trial

The medical team stressed that the technology is intended to support surgeons rather than replace their judgement. Prof Marcus said the longer-term goal is to develop a system similar to a “ChatGPT for surgeons”, giving specialists another expert source of advice while leaving them free to reject its recommendations.

The project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Google, following years of laboratory testing. Researchers are now preparing for a larger trial after assessing the technology's first use in live surgery.

For Hibbert, the results have already had a major impact on his daily life. “When I opened my eyes after the operation it felt like I had got 360-degree vision - I hadn't seen that clearly for a year,” he said.

Eight weeks after the procedure, Hibbert said his eyesight continued to improve and that he had regained his energy. “I also have my energy back and all of the side effects I was suffering before surgery have gone,” he said.

“It's given me my life back.” Health innovation minister James Frith said he was pleased Hibbert had undergone “life-changing surgery” through government-funded research, while stressing that AI must be developed with appropriate safeguards.

“AI needs proper safeguards and we will always ensure that safety is taken seriously. But we will also ensure we benefit from the opportunities it brings,” he added.