Saudi Arabia has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in medical science, successfully performing the world’s first robotic brain tumor surgery — a feat hailed as a revolutionary advancement in neurosurgery.
The historic operation took place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, where a 4.5-centimeter brain tumor was precisely removed from a 68-year-old patient using state-of-the-art robotic technology. Remarkably, the patient fully regained consciousness and was discharged within 24 hours, a recovery rate four times faster than that of conventional brain surgery.
Dr. Homoud Al-Dahash, neuro-oncology specialist and lead surgeon, explained that the robotic system provides surgeons with enhanced precision and safety, allowing for accurate identification of the brain’s intricate neurovascular structures.
“The patient’s same-day recovery and return to normal function set a new benchmark in medical science,” said Dr. Al-Dahash.
The hour-long procedure utilized 3D optical and image-guided navigation technologies, offering surgeons a clear and comprehensive view of the brain. This enabled precise tumor removal while safeguarding critical neural regions.
Dr. Majid Al-Fayyadh, CEO of King Faisal Specialist Hospital, described the achievement as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s transformative healthcare system and a testament to its growing global leadership in medical innovation.
This marks yet another milestone for the hospital, which previously gained international recognition for performing the world’s first robotic heart and liver transplants.
Currently ranked 15th among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers, King Faisal Specialist Hospital holds the No. 1 position in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2024, Brand Finance named it the most valuable healthcare brand in the Middle East, while Newsweek listed it among the “World’s Best Hospitals 2025” and “Best Smart Hospitals 2025.”
Medical experts say this success in robotic neurosurgery opens a new frontier in brain surgery, establishing unprecedented standards of safety, precision, and recovery for future complex operations.
Source: Arab News.