Gamma knife is a current treatment method that allows neurosurgeons to operate on abnormal areas of the brain without the need for any incisions. Gamma knife is applied using a technique called stereotactic radiosurgery and ensures that the coordinated diseased brain tissue is destroyed by gamma rays.
The system is based on the principle that gamma rays from 192 spherically located and separate sources, each of which has an energy that will not damage the normal brain tissue on its own, are combined in the diseased brain tissue, and a very high energy is transferred to the diseased tissue and destroys this tissue. For this reason, in this surgical method, which differs from radiotherapy treatment, the treatment is completed in a single session. It is generally a preferred method in cases where open neurosurgery is not possible or carries a high risk.
The effectiveness of gamma knife surgery depends on the sensitivity of the device used in the treatment and the methods used to detect abnormal tissue in the brain.
How is the treatment done with a gamma knife?
First of all, the stereotactic frame is fixed to the patient’s head in order to create the necessary coordinates for the treatment and to prevent movement during the procedure. This is vital so that the treatment can be performed correctly and that the radiation is delivered exactly where it is needed. By applying the stereotactic frame to the patient, the exact location of the tumor is determined and the patient is kept in the required position inside the device.
Attaching the stereotactic frame to the patient takes approximately 10 minutes. During this procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the areas where the frame is placed on the head. During the procedure, the patient does not feel pain, except for a temporary feeling of pressure.
After the stereotactic frame, it is time to take the image. After the image of the diseased area is taken, the treatment is started after the necessary dose planning. The required position in the frame is taken, the patient is placed in the device and made as comfortable as possible. The procedures to be done are explained to him. Then radiation therapy is started. After each beam is given to the right place for the required time, the patient is removed from the device, the frame is taken and monitoring is taken in the service.
Thanks to the latest technology device used in our hospital, treatment can be performed with the mask method in suitable patients and diseases without applying a stereotactic frame to the patient’s head. Which the patient will use the mask or frame is determined by the specialist physician.
How is the treatment done with a gamma knife?
First of all, the stereotactic frame is fixed to the patient’s head in order to create the necessary coordinates for the treatment and to prevent movement during the procedure. This is vital so that the treatment can be performed correctly and that the radiation is delivered exactly where it is needed. By applying the stereotactic frame to the patient, the exact location of the tumor is determined and the patient is kept in the required position inside the device.
Attaching the stereotactic frame to the patient takes approximately 10 minutes. During this procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the areas where the frame is placed on the head. During the procedure, the patient does not feel pain, except for a temporary feeling of pressure.
After the stereotactic frame, it is time to take the image. After the image of the diseased area is taken, the treatment is started after the necessary dose planning. The required position in the frame is taken, the patient is placed in the device and made as comfortable as possible. The procedures to be done are explained to him. Then radiation therapy is started. After each beam is given to the right place for the required time, the patient is removed from the device, the frame is taken and monitoring is taken in the service.
Thanks to the latest technology device used in our hospital, treatment can be performed with the mask method in suitable patients and diseases without applying a stereotactic frame to the patient’s head. Which patient will use the mask or frame is determined by the specialist physician.
What types of brain tumors can be treated with a gamma knife?
With the Gamma knife, both benign brain tumors (meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, acoustic neuromas) and malignant brain tumors (brain metastases, glial tumors) can be treated. In addition, gamma knife is used in vascular brain diseases (arteriovenous malformations and cavernomas) and functional brain diseases (trigeminal neuralgia, parkinsonism, epilepsy) apart from brain tumors.
What are the advantages of gamma knife treatment?
Gamma knife is the only non-invasive “surgical treatment” method. In other words, it provides certainty of surgical treatment without opening the skull.
One day after Gamma knife treatment, the patient can return to normal social and work life.
The fact that general anesthesia is not used in the treatment makes it possible to treat patients who cannot undergo open surgery.
Does not require hospitalization.
Extremely short hospital stay, no need for intensive care, the patient’s ability to return to work immediately reduces the cost.