The gamma knife is a type of radiosurgery or radiotherapy system used to treat brain conditions. It is a more accurate alternative to whole brain radiation therapy and traditional brain surgery. If a child is in need of a procedure that will eliminate and control brain tumors, nerve disorders or vascular disorders of the brain, this type of procedure could be the best solution, and it is a safer alternative to other types of brain surgery.
Benefits of gamma knife
Designed for the brain
Designed specifically for the brain, this type of radiosurgery uses fine-beam technology that allows surgeons to access the intricate and delicate tissues of the brain. Other radiosurgery techniques were designed for use all over the body, resulting in less precise technology that cannot access the inner brain tissue quite as well.
Non-invasive
Gamma knife is a non-invasive surgical option that requires no incisions. The term "knife" is just a name for the radiation beams it projects.
Precision and accuracy
Because of the accuracy and fine nature of the beams used, healthy brain tissue is spared, while only the unhealthy brain tissue is targeted. Traditional brain surgery rids the brain of unhealthy tissue, but because of the larger instruments and less precise characteristics of these instruments, some healthy tissue is also a casualty of the procedure.
Targeted radiation
As opposed to other methods of radiation therapy, gamma knife’s parts are fixed during the delivery of radiation. Other forms of radiosurgery incorporate moving parts that affect a larger area and could lead to potential error or more unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Fewer sessions
Some forms of radiosurgery require the patient to visit for many treatments. This procedure can be accomplished in one session, save a few exceptions. In most cases, treatment only takes a few short hours, and patients can leave afterward.
What to expect during treatment
This type of radiotherapy is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients will arrive in the morning, undergo treatment for a one to four hours and return home by the end of the day. Once the patient arrives, they will lie down inside the machine, a head frame that attaches to the machine will be placed on their head and the procedure will begin. An IV may be attached to the patient in order to ensure they are well hydrated during the procedure. The helmet channels beams from different sides of the brai,n and they all meet at the target point. The beams will not affect the tissues they go through, and only the point at which they meet will experience the ablation.
A child will feel physically comfortable during the procedure
During the procedure, the patient will not experience any discomfort nor will the patient feel heat or the radiation. The patient will not even hear the machine working. Some patients even consider the procedure relaxing.
Learn more about this procedure
If you are interested in learning more about this non-invasive alternative to traditional brain surgery, call our office today. We are happy to fill you in on more details about the gamma knife procedure.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery, call us at (714) 677-9463.