RIYADH: A Saudi hospital in Jeddah has introduced an innovative medical technology to improve the precision of brain tumour removal surgeries.
The technique used by King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) involves administering a special substance to the patient before surgery, causing tumour cells to fluoresce under specific light during the procedure, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
The technique allows surgeons to differentiate between healthy and affected tissues, improving complete tumour removal rates by up to 30 per cent positively impacting patient recovery, and reducing the likelihood of residual cancer cells.
KFSHRC is the first hospital in Saudi Arabia to incorporate 5-Aminolevulinic Acid technology into its routine surgical practices.
This innovation tackles the challenges of removing high-grade gliomas, a type of brain tumour known for blending with surrounding healthy tissue, which makes traditional surgeries more complicated and riskier.
The KFSHRC is also collaborating with hospitals across Saudi Arabia and internationally to share expertise and expand the adoption of this technique.
This collaborative effort demonstrates KFSHRC’s ongoing commitment to integrating cutting-edge innovations to enhance patient care and deliver world-class healthcare solutions.
For the second consecutive year, KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally on the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres.
Additionally, it has been recognised as the most valuable healthcare facility in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings.
In the same year, KFSHRC was also ranked among the world’s top 250 hospitals and included in Newsweek magazine’s 2025 list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals.
