In a significant advancement for robotic medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has accomplished the world”s inaugural robotic intracranial tumor resection. This groundbreaking procedure sets a new standard for neurosurgical precision and recovery.
The operation was performed on a 68-year-old male patient who had been suffering from severe headaches and concentration difficulties. Surgeons successfully removed a 4.5-centimeter brain tumor utilizing robotic arms, allowing for enhanced surgical precision. Remarkably, the patient was discharged within 24 hours, fully conscious and recovering almost four times faster than what is typical for traditional brain surgeries.
Hospital officials noted that the robotic tumor resection approach minimizes surgical trauma and promotes quicker recovery times. According to Dr. Homoud Aldahash, a consultant specializing in Skull Base Tumors at KFSHRC and the lead surgeon for this procedure, the robotic system provided exceptional control and precision, enabling surgeons to navigate critical neurovascular structures with increased safety. “The patient”s same-day discharge, fully conscious and without complications, represents a new benchmark for neurosurgical innovation,” he remarked.
The surgery, which lasted approximately one hour, employed robotic arms guided by a 3D optical system. This technology offered surgeons a clear and magnified view of the brain, ensuring precise tumor removal while safeguarding vital areas of the organ. Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, emphasized that this achievement is part of the hospital”s ongoing efforts to shape the future of global medicine. “This achievement reflects KFSHRC”s growing role in shaping the future of global medicine,” he stated. “It aligns perfectly with our vision, where innovation and patient-centered care define the future of healthcare.”
Before the introduction of robotic neurosurgery, similar procedures relied heavily on manual techniques performed under surgical microscopes, where precision was contingent upon the surgeon”s steadiness and visual clarity. The advent of robotic systems enhances instrument stability, eliminates tremors, and provides superior visualization, thus redefining global standards for safety and precision in neurosurgical care.
This landmark procedure adds to KFSHRC”s impressive repertoire of robotic surgical innovations. The institution has previously achieved milestones such as the world”s first robotic heart transplant and robotic liver transplant, earning widespread recognition and establishing its reputation among the foremost centers for robotic and minimally invasive surgery.
As healthcare systems around the globe increasingly adopt automation and precision-guided surgical techniques, KFSHRC”s latest success underscores its position as a pioneer in next-generation medical innovation. The hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and fifteenth globally among the top 250 academic medical centers for 2025. Additionally, it was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Middle East by Brand Finance 2025 and featured in Newsweek”s lists of World”s Best Hospitals 2025, Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and Best Specialized Hospitals 2026, reaffirming its commitment to innovation-driven patient care.
For further information, please visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or reach out to our media team at [email protected].
A photo accompanying this announcement can be found at this link.
