Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery

Gamma-Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive, non-surgical medical procedure used to treat various conditions, including brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other neurological disorders.

History and Development

The Gamma Knife was first developed in 1968 by Lars Leksell, a Swedish neurosurgeon, and Borje Larsson, a physicist. The first Gamma Knife unit was installed at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Since then, the technology has undergone significant advancements, with newer models offering improved precision and versatility.

Procedure Overview

Gamma-Knife radiosurgery involves the use of cobalt-60 sources to deliver a high dose of radiation to a specific area of the brain. The procedure typically takes place in an outpatient setting and does not require hospitalization. The patient is fitted with a stereotactic head frame, which helps to immobilize the head and ensure accurate targeting of the treatment area.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Patient preparation: The patient is given a local anesthetic and a stereotactic head frame is attached to their skull.
2. Imaging: The patient undergoes imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to determine the exact location and size of the treatment area.
3. Treatment planning: A team of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and physicists create a customized treatment plan using specialized software.
4. Radiation delivery: The patient is placed on a couch that slides into the Gamma Knife unit. The cobalt-60 sources are then activated, delivering a high dose of radiation to the targeted area.
5. Verification: The patient's position and treatment delivery are verified using X-ray imaging and other quality control measures.

Types of Conditions Treated

Gamma-Knife radiosurgery is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Brain tumors (e.g., metastatic brain tumors, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas)
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Pituitary adenomas
• Cranial nerve schwannomas

Advantages and Benefits

Gamma-Knife radiosurgery offers several advantages, including:

• Non-invasive: No surgical incision is required.
• Minimally invasive: The procedure does not require a hospital stay.
• Precise targeting: The Gamma Knife delivers radiation with high precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Low risk of complications: Compared to traditional surgery, Gamma-Knife radiosurgery has a lower risk of complications and side effects.

Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe, Gamma-Knife radiosurgery can cause side effects, including:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures (rarely)
• Radiation-induced necrosis (rarely)

Post-Treatment Care

After Gamma-Knife radiosurgery, patients typically require follow-up appointments with their radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon to monitor the treatment's effectiveness and manage any potential side effects.