Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

 

Q1 How does Gamma Knife radiosurgery work on tumor?

 

 A1 Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a clinically proven treatment modality for brain tumors, with thousands of success stories. Narrow beams of Gamma radiation are focused on the tumor in the brain. They distort the DNA of the tumor cells resulting in their loss of ability to reproduce. Eventually, the tumor shrinks in size and is rendered inactive. It takes few weeks or months to show its effects. Progress is usually monitored by the doctor through MRI, CT or angiography.

 

Q2 What are the benefits of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery treatment?

 

A2 Gamma knife is referred to as bloodless surgery for brain disorders.

 

• The treatment is carried out in a single session. 

• Generally Outpatient procedure or sometimes overnight hospital stay may be required.

• Quick recovery and early resumption of normal activities.

• No need to cut open the skull to carry out the treatment.

• Prevents complications such as hemorrhage or infection, that may be associated with traditional neurosurgery, since there is no incision.

• Ideal for treating very small targets present deep in the brain and in sensitive areas.

• Spares surrounding healthy tissue.

• Treatment with extreme precision.

• The cost of treatment with Gamma Knife is 25% to 30% cheaper than that of the conventional Neurosurgery.

• Works best for inoperable or complex tumors.

• FDA approved radiation therapy for Brain Metastasis.

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​Q3  What is Gamma Radiosurgery treatment recommended for?

 

A3  Gamma Radiosurgery is being effectively and safely used in treating the following medical conditions:

 

• Very small to moderate size brain tumors even deep seated ones or at sensitive position such as

  • Pituitary adenomas

  • Acoustic Neuromas

  • Craniopharyngiomas

  • Meningiomas

• Vascular malformations in the brain such as AVM(Arteriovenous malformation)

• Trigeminal Neuralgia

• Parkinson's disease

• Essential tremors

• Intractable Epilepsy

• Post surgery remaining tumor cells.

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Q4 Is it a surgery? Its name suggests so.

 

A4 Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a misnomer. By its name, it appears like surgery, however, it is an advanced form of radiation treatment that delivers high amount of Gamma radiation to its target area, sparing the neighbouring healthy tissue from the harmful effects of radiation. Similar to surgery, Gamma Knife treatment is carried out in a single session and the result is comparable to that of surgery i.e., Precise and dramatic results. 

 

Q5 What is the difference between Gamma Knife and Cyber Knife Radiosurgery treatment?

 

A5 GammaKnife and Cyberknife are two different radiosurgery treatments. Their differences can be summarized as given in the table below.

 

 

Q6 What to expect in a Gamma Knife treatment?

 

A6 Patient is administered light sedation on the treatment day subsequently followed by local anesthesia to secure the head frame in place.The frame is utilized in concomitance with an imaging procedure to precisely locate the target. Once the frame is fixed, an MRI or CT scan or Angiography in case of AVM (Arteriovenous malformation) is carried out so as to determine the exact location of the lesion/s in patient's head, that needs to be treated. With the help of the imaging techniques, the team of specialists will define the lesion/s that require treatment and once fully determined, the team will devise the treatment plan using a computer. It usually takes 30 to 90 minutes for the same depending upon the shape and site of the lesion/s and during that period of time the patient is made to rest. 

 

Once customized treatment plan is ready best suited to the patient's requirement, the patient is made to lie on the Gamma Knife treatment couch and his/her head is positioned well in order to begin the treatment. The patient is automatically moved into the Gamma knife treatment machine and the treatment sarts that usually lasts from half an hour to 2 hrs. The good part here is that the patient absolutely does not feel any pain or discomfort, all this while during the treatment. 

 

Once the treatment is over, the patient is moved out of the treatment machine spontaneously, head frame is removed and the patient can go home. However, some patient may require or choose to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.

 

Q7 How many treatment sessions are required in Gamma Knife radiosurgery?

 

A7 Gamma Knife radiosurgery is usually completed in a single day. Patients can leave after the treatment is over.

Benefits of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Treatment in India

 

• Quality treatment at the most affordable cost.

• World class hospitals with state of the art infrastructure.

• No waiting Period

• Most advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment and methods are employed for optimal results.

• Globally trained doctors with decades of experience in carrying out the procedure with competence and ease.

• Great ambience

• Compassionate staff to look after

• Hospitals accredited with international organizations such as JCI(Joint commission International) for quality standards.

• Language no barrier. English speaking people and if required, translators are available for your convenience

• Most economical accommodation available at a walking distance from the hospital. Wide range of options starting from guest house, service apartments to five star hotels, best suited to your budget and choice.

• Good flight connectivity

• India has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. You can witness its beauty and uniqueness. It offers most conducive environment for recuperation.

 

Dr Aditya Gupta

MBBS(AIIMS), MS(Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery)

Fellowship from CJW Medical Center, Richmond, US,

Fellowship from Hospital Pitie-Salpetriere, Paris, France

 

Membership: International Gamma Knife Society

 

          Congress of Neurological Surgeons,US

 

Director & Senior consultant Neurosurgery, Radiosurgery & Brain Tumor Surgery

Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

 

Dr Tejinder Kataria
MBBS,MD(Radiotherapy),DNB(Radiotherapy)
CCST (Clinical Oncology), British Institute of Radiology (UK)
FIMSA, International Medical Science Academy
Commonwealth Scholar, British Council 
Chairperson, Radiation Oncology
Medanta,The Medicity,Gurgaon,Delhi,NCR

 

 

Dr Sandeep K.Jain

MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology)

Associate Director, Radiation Oncology

Jaypee Hospital, Noida, Delhi-NCR