King Faisal Hospital achieves world’s first robotic brain tumor surgery
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has achieved a historic breakthrough in medical technology by performing the world’s first robotic brain tumor removal. The pioneering procedure marks a new era in neurosurgery, showcasing how robotics can enhance precision, safety and recovery outcomes for patients.
The groundbreaking operation involved a 68-year-old patient suffering from severe headaches and concentration loss. Using robotic arms guided by a high-definition 3D optical system, surgeons successfully extracted a 4.5-centimeter tumor from his brain in just one hour. Remarkably, the patient was discharged fully conscious within 24 hours — four times faster than traditional recovery periods.
Robotics redefine the future of neurosurgery
According to Dr. Homoud Aldahash, Consultant of Skull Base Tumors at KFSHRC, the robotic system provided unmatched precision and control, allowing surgeons to navigate delicate neurovascular structures safely. “This case represents a new benchmark for neurosurgical innovation,” he said. “The patient’s rapid recovery and lack of complications demonstrate the power of robotics in transforming complex brain surgery.”
The technology integrates advanced imaging and navigation tools to deliver enhanced visibility and control inside the skull. By eliminating hand tremors and stabilizing micro-movements, the system ensures meticulous tumor removal while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
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Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, said the achievement reflects the hospital’s mission to drive the global shift toward innovation-led healthcare. “This milestone embodies our commitment to advancing medical science,” he said. “It also aligns with our vision of placing patients at the heart of every innovation.”
A growing legacy of medical firsts
This historic operation adds to KFSHRC’s expanding legacy of robotic achievements. The hospital previously performed the world’s first robotic heart transplant and robotic liver transplant — both hailed as global milestones in medical history.
Before robotic neurosurgery, procedures of this kind relied heavily on a surgeon’s manual precision under a microscope. Today, robotic assistance allows unparalleled accuracy, setting new global standards for safety and performance.
KFSHRC’s growing expertise has earned it international acclaim. The hospital ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa and fifteenth worldwide among the top 250 academic medical centers for 2025. It has also been named the region’s most valuable healthcare brand by Brand Finance and featured in Newsweek’s lists of the World’s Best Hospitals, Smart Hospitals and Specialized Hospitals through 2026.
As robotics and AI continue to reshape healthcare, King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s success underscores its role as a global leader in innovation-driven patient care and medical excellence.
