ON
← Back to feed
For the first time in history, artificial intelligence has helped remove a brain tumor during surgery (PHOTO)
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/1/2026

For the first time in history, artificial intelligence has helped remove a brain tumor during surgery (PHOTO)

A 48-year-old man named Rhys Hibbert from Bedfordshire had a brain tumor removed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. This operation was unique because artificial intelligence (AI) assisted the surgeons in real-time during the procedure. The AI analyzed video footage of the surgery and highlighted important blood vessels and nerves that were difficult to see with the naked eye. Hibbert, who had been healthy until recently, experienced sudden seizures and was diagnosed with an 11-millimeter benign tumor on his pituitary gland, which affects several bodily functions. The tumor was located near critical blood vessels and optic nerves, causing progressive vision loss. Surgeons accessed the brain through the nose using an endoscope, navigating around bone and membranes. The AI provided additional visual guidance by identifying structures during the operation, offering surgeons an extra set of eyes. Hibbert agreed to participate in the research and reported significant improvement in his vision and energy levels after the surgery. Researchers aim to further develop this technology to assist surgeons while maintaining their decision-making authority.

A groundbreaking medical procedure has taken place in London, marking the first time artificial intelligence played a direct role during surgery to remove a brain tumor. A 48-year-old man named Rhys Hibbert from Bedfordshire underwent the operation at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London last week. The AI system assisted surgeons in real-time, analyzing video footage of the operation and highlighting critical blood vessels and nerves that were difficult to identify with the naked eye. The operation was necessary after Hibbert began experiencing vision loss following an epileptic seizure. Initial tests revealed an 11-millimeter benign tumor on his pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the skull responsible for regulating numerous bodily functions. The tumor was located near the carotid arteries, which supply the brain with blood, and close to optic nerve pathways. As the tumor exerted pressure, Hibbert’s visual field gradually narrowed, putting him at risk of complete blindness without surgical intervention. The operation took place through the nose using an endoscope, a thin tube with a camera, allowing surgeons to access the base of the skull where the tumor was hidden behind bone and a tough membrane. Due to the highly sensitive anatomy of the area, even minor errors could have resulted in damage to vital blood vessels or nerves. This is where the AI technology came into play. During the operation, the system analyzed live video feeds and highlighted structures such as blood vessels and nerves on a screen, guiding surgeons toward a safer approach to the tumor. Unlike conventional systems that rely primarily on preoperative imaging, this AI technology gathered information directly from the ongoing procedure. It had been trained on hundreds of video recordings of similar surgeries, with researchers manually identifying key anatomical features. Over time, the system learned to recognize these structures independently, providing surgeons with an additional set of eyes during the delicate process. Hibbert agreed to participate in the research before the operation. He expressed willingness to contribute to medical advancements, stating, “If patients aren’t willing to take part in research, how can doctors learn and how can medicine progress?” His decision proved successful. Immediately after waking from anesthesia, he noticed a dramatic improvement in his vision. In the weeks that followed, he observed increased energy levels and a reduction in symptoms that had previously affected his daily life. “Life was returned to me,” he said. Within about eight weeks, Hibbert had resumed his normal routine, including work. Researchers aim to refine the technology further. Their long-term goal is to develop a system that acts as an additional expert assistant for surgeons, alerting them to crucial structures and offering insights without replacing their judgment. They emphasize that AI does not replace the surgeon but supports them in making more accurate and safe decisions. The procedure was part of a clinical trial led by researchers at University College London, with funding from the British National Institute for Health and Care Research and collaboration from Google. After years of laboratory development, the team now plans to conduct larger-scale clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of the technology across a broader patient population.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 759/1/2026
Brain tumor removed with artificial intelligence

British neurosurgeons successfully removed a brain tumor using artificial intelligence assistance during a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. The AI system analyzed real-time images from an endoscope, helping surgeons identify hidden nerves and blood vessels, and marking the safest areas for tumor removal. The patient, a 48-year-old man named Rhys Hibbert, had a 11-millimeter non-cancerous tumor on his pituitary gland, which was pressing on optic nerves and causing vision loss. The operation, conducted at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, involved navigating around critical structures like carotid arteries and optic nerves. The AI acted as an additional expert eye, providing real-time guidance while surgeons maintained full control. Researchers trained the AI on hundreds of surgical videos and emphasized that the technology does not replace human judgment but enhances precision and safety.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a scientific medical advancement without overt ideological framing. It focuses on technological progress in healthcare, emphasizing collaboration between researchers, institutions, and companies (Google and UK health research body). There is no explicit political agenda or bias,

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a successful brain tumor removal using AI, citing a British neurosurgeon and specific details like the patient’s age, tumor size, and location. It references the NHS and UCL institutions, aligning with known medical advancements in AI-assisted surgery. While no primary source

Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a generally neutral tone but uses emotionally charged language such as 'varnejši poseg' (safer procedure) and 'ohranitvi bolnikovega vida' (preservation of the patient's vision), which subtly emphasizes the positive outcome. It also frames the AI technology as a breakthrough wi

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 908/29/2026
For the first time in history, artificial intelligence has helped remove a brain tumor during surgery (PHOTO)

A 48-year-old man named Rhys Hibbert from Bedfordshire had a brain tumor removed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. This operation was unique because artificial intelligence (AI) assisted the surgeons in real-time during the procedure. The AI analyzed video footage of the surgery and highlighted important blood vessels and nerves that were difficult to see with the naked eye. Hibbert, who had been healthy until recently, experienced sudden seizures and was diagnosed with an 11-millimeter benign tumor on his pituitary gland, which affects several bodily functions. The tumor was located near critical blood vessels and optic nerves, causing progressive vision loss. Surgeons accessed the brain through the nose using an endoscope, navigating around bone and membranes. The AI provided additional visual guidance by identifying structures during the operation, offering surgeons an extra set of eyes. Hibbert agreed to participate in the research and reported significant improvement in his vision and energy levels after the surgery. Researchers aim to further develop this technology to assist surgeons while maintaining their decision-making authority.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a medical breakthrough involving artificial intelligence in neurosurgery. While the development has potential implications for healthcare policy and regulation, the narrative remains neutral, presenting both the technical aspects and patient outcomes without overt ideological傾

Why factuality (75): The article provides specific details about the patient, the hospital, and the procedure involving AI during surgery. These facts align with general reports from other sources about the first use of AI in real-time during brain tumor removal. However, some specifics like the exact name of the AI sys

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral and informative manner, avoiding overt bias or emotional language. It focuses on describing the event and the technology used without taking sides or expressing personal opinion.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories