The Gamma Knife Centre at Bupa Cromwell Hospital was the first in London and opened in 1998. Since that time, we have successfully treated over 2,000 patients.
In 2007 the centre was totally refurbished, which included installation of the latest generation of Gamma Knife technology called the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion TM
Gamma Knife is used for treating both benign and malignant conditions affecting the brain, head and neck. It allows for shorter hospital stays and has an excellent record of successful treatment.
The Gamma Knife Centre is under the direction of Professor Christer Lindquist and Professor Bodo Lippitz, who between them have over 45 years of Gamma Knife surgery experience. They have also been responsible for training neurosurgeons all over the world how to use the Leskell Gamma Knife.
The Gamma Knife Centre is an integral part of a large medical and surgical centre, focused on providing patients with a high quality of care, led by a skilled and professional team. As all our diagnostic equipment is under one roof, patients can be scanned, mapped and treated in a single location.
What does Gamma Knife surgery involve?
To ensure precision during radio surgery, the patient is fitted with an aluminium head frame. The area to be treated is mapped using the latest in neuro-imaging techniques, including MRI scans, CT scans, PET / CT scans and angiography.
Using the imaging information, the medical team delivers the optimal dose of radiation to the exact shape of the tumour. The radiation is delivered through focused beams accurate to within 0.5mm, or the equivalent of a strand of human hair.
The major benefit of Gamma Knife surgery for patients is that it is:
-
non-invasive
- there is no incision; no need for head shaving; no scars to heal
- there is no hair loss or nausea
- treatment is relatively painless and in most cases a general anaesthetic is not needed
- patients make a fast recovery and can usually resume their normal activities in a day or two.
How to arrange Gamma Knife surgery
NHS patients wishing to have Gamma Knife surgery must be referred by their NHS consultant or GP to one of our Gamma Knife specialists.
Insured and Embassy patients can be referred by their GP, consultant or Embassy as appropriate to one of our Gamma Knife specialists.
Our patient charter
We aim to provide the best possible care for all patients undergoing Gamma Knife surgery. We aim to offer a service that is caring, professional and safe for patients, as well as staff. The service is based on standards set by the relevant professional organisations for example, the Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Radiologists and the Society of Radiographers.
NHS recognition
Since July 2003, the London Specialised Commissioning Group has recommended the Bupa Cromwell Hospital Gamma Knife Centre to provide radiosurgery for NHS patients.
For health professionals
If you are a healthcare professional and would like more information on the clinical applications of Gamma Knife please see the published evidence section of Professor Lippitz's website.
