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UCL Surgeons Perform World’s First AI-Assisted Pituitary Removal

8/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

UCL Hospital neurosurgeons performed the world’s first successful AI-assisted pituitary tumour removal.
The AI analysed live endoscopic video, colour-coding nerves and vessels to guide excision.
Rhys Hibbert, 48, had an 11 mm tumour removed, regaining clear vision within a week.
Typical pituitary surgery carries a 25–50% chance of incomplete removal.
It also carries a 0.5–2% risk of major vessel injury.

History

Historical Context

By 1997 an Illinois team used the FDA-cleared AESOP camera arm to assist a laparoscopic gallbladder removal, extending earlier breakthroughs such as Erich Mühe’s first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1985 and the 1994 approval of AESOP for commercial use, and spurred growth of a global surgical-automation market. The progression paved the way for today’s AI-guided neurosurgery.

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Story summary

UCL Hospital neurosurgeons performed the world’s first successful AI-assisted pituitary tumour removal.
The AI analysed live endoscopic video, colour-coding nerves and vessels to guide excision.
Rhys Hibbert, 48, had an 11 mm tumour removed, regaining clear vision within a week.
Typical pituitary surgery carries a 25–50% chance of incomplete removal.
It also carries a 0.5–2% risk of major vessel injury.

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