RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has conducted the world’s first robotic intracranial tumor surgery.
This landmark procedure marks a new global benchmark in neurosurgical precision and patient recovery, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Using robotic arms, surgeons successfully removed a 4.5-centimeter brain tumor from a 68-year-old man suffering from severe headaches and impaired concentration.
In a remarkable outcome, the patient was discharged fully alert within just 24 hours — a recovery nearly four times faster than that of conventional brain surgeries.
Consultant of Skull Base Tumors at KFSHRC, Dr. Homoud Aldahash, who performed the surgery, stated that the robotic system allowed exceptional precision and control, enabling surgeons to navigate critical neurovascular structures with a high level of safety.
“The patient’s same-day discharge, fully conscious and without complications, represents a new benchmark for neurosurgical innovation,” he added.
The one-hour procedure utilised robotic arms guided by a 3D optical system, giving surgeons a clear, magnified view of the brain.
Advanced image-guided navigation technology enabled the precise removal of the tumor while safeguarding critical areas of brain function.
Chief Executive Officer of KFSHRC Dr. Majid Alfayyadh linked the milestone to the hospital’s ongoing transformation journey.
“This achievement reflects KFSHRC’s growing role in shaping the future of global medicine,” he said. “It aligns perfectly with our vision, where innovation and patient-centered care define the future of healthcare.”
Prior to the introduction of robotic neurosurgery, similar procedures relied on manual techniques using a surgical microscope, where precision was limited by the surgeon’s steadiness and visual clarity.
Today, robotic systems offer enhanced instrument stability, eliminate tremors, and provide superior visualisation—redefining global benchmarks for safety and precision in neurosurgical care.
This milestone procedure further strengthens King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre’s (KFSHRC) growing reputation in robotic surgery.
The hospital has already earned international recognition for pioneering the world’s first robotic heart and liver transplants, cementing its status as a global leader in robotic and minimally invasive surgical innovation.
