The principle of radiosurgery is based on concentrating radiation within the area to be treated without affecting the surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Gamma Knife can be used to treat a wide number of benign and malignant conditions. Gamma Knife technology means that virtually any shape of tumour can be matched with highly precise radiation. The involved 3D precision of radiation focus and dose gradient is unmatched by other technologies.
A typical procedure
The entire Gamma Knife procedure normally takes between three to six hours, depending on the condition being treated. Patients are usually admitted to the hospital on the day of treatment and then stay overnight for observation.
Fixing the frame
In order to pinpoint the area that will be treated by the Gamma Knife, a lightweight aluminium guiding device, called a stereotactic frame, is fitted to the patient’s head with four pins. This is done under local anaesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Fixing the frame takes about twenty minutes.
Imaging and mapping of the area to be treated
The target area in the brain is pinpointed and mapped using an appropriate diagnostic imaging tool such as an MRI scan and/or angiogram, CT or PET-CT as required. We have all the necessary technology at the hospital, so patients can be mapped and treated in the same location.
Using the imaging information, the medical team plan the treatment. This is done with the aid of an advanced 3D computerised planning system. This takes two hours on average, depending on the lesion and the number of positions needed to treat it.
Undergoing treatment
Once the planning is completed, patients are carefully positioned on the treatment couch to ensure their head is in the right place. Patients will not feel any pain during the procedure and can speak to the radiographer through a two-way intercom.
The Gamma Knife uses radiation beams which have a level of accuracy of over 0.5mm, the equivalent to a strand of hair. Each dose can take between one to 15 minutes. If additional doses are needed, the patient's head is automatically repositioned and the procedure is repeated. Because of the Gamma Knife's accuracy, the full dose of radiation can be administered in just one session.
A step-by-step guide
A more in-depth printable version of information for patients undergoing Gamma Knife surgery is available by downloading our patient guide.
