Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Overview
What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?
What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery?
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Gamma Knife is an advanced type of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. The procedure doesn’t involve any surgical incision (cuts). Instead, it uses highly focused beams of radiation (energy) to treat tumors and other conditions in the brain and skull region.
Gamma Knife has been considered the gold standard in radiosurgery for more than 30 years. At Atrium Health, we use the most advanced technology on the market. Compared to earlier equipment, it can treat even more tumors in hard-to-reach areas and provides a significantly more comfortable treatment for most patients.
What are the benefits of Gamma Knife radiosurgery?
Some of the advantages of Gamma Knife radiosurgery include:
- Precision: Special equipment allows doctors to treat diseased brain tissue with carefully targeted radiation that minimizes harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Safety: Since it’s a non-invasive procedure, the risk of infection and other complications is low. Treatment also automatically stops if you move even the tiniest amount, which helps prevent exposure to radiation outside of your targeted treatment plan.
- Recovery time: Radiosurgery is done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Most patients experience very little discomfort and can quickly get back to regular activities.
- Cost: Gamma Knife radiosurgery doesn’t require a lengthy hospital stay or rehabilitation, which helps keep costs down compared to traditional surgery alone.
Find answers to other frequently asked questions about Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatment process
Gamma Knife radiosurgery consists of a few key steps. Our Gamma Knife coordinator will guide you through the process. Plus, you’ll find more in-depth information about what to expect at each step throughout this patient guide.
