What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife® radiosurgery is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) that uses highly focused beams of radiation to target certain conditions in the brain and upper spine with exceptional precision.

Unlike traditional open surgery, Gamma Knife treatment doesn’t involve an incision or general anesthesia. Instead, small radiation beams are directed at the treatment area while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Gamma Knife surgery may be recommended as an alternative to open surgery for some patients, especially when tumors or lesions are located in deep or sensitive areas of the brain.

Gamma Knife treatment benefits include:

• No surgical incision
• Minimal disruption to healthy tissue
• Lower risk of complications compared to open surgery (in some cases)
• Outpatient treatment for many patients
• Shorter recovery time
• Precise treatment for hard-to-reach brain conditions

What conditions does Gamma Knife treat?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is used to treat a wide range of brain tumors, neurological disorders and vascular conditions:

Brain tumors and metastases

• Benign brain tumors
• Brain metastases
• Meningioma
• Pituitary adenoma
• Recurrent or residual tumors
• Single or multiple brain lesions
• Tumors in deep or sensitive areas of the brain
• Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)

Vascular disorders

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Cavernous malformations (in some instances)

Functional and pain disorders

• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Other neurological disorders

Recurrent or residual disease

• Lesions not amenable to open surgery
• Tumors in eloquent or deep brain region

How to prepare for Gamma Knife surgery

Before Gamma Knife radiosurgery, you’ll meet with your neurosurgeon and care team to review your medical history, imaging results and treatment plan.

Your care team may provide instructions about:

• Medications to take or avoid before treatment
• Eating and drinking before your procedure
• What to bring on the day of treatment
• Arranging transportation home if needed

Your surgeon and care team will answer any questions and help you understand what to expect before, during and after treatment.

What happens during Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

During treatment:

• Your care team positions you comfortably and prepares you for imaging and treatment
• Advanced imaging is used to identify the exact treatment location
• Your neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist and medical physicist develop a personalized treatment plan
• The Gamma Knife system delivers highly focused radiation beams directly to the target area

Treatment times vary depending on the condition being treated, but many procedures are completed in a single session. Because Gamma Knife treatment is noninvasive, most patients are able to return home the same day.

Risks and recovery from Gamma Knife surgery

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is generally well tolerated, but like all medical procedures, there are potential risks and side effects.

Possible side effects of treatment may include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Mild swelling in the treatment area
• Temporary nausea
• Temporary neurological symptoms depending on the treatment location

Your care team will monitor you closely and provide instructions for recovery and follow-up care.

Recovery after Gamma Knife radiosurgery

Many people are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two of Gamma Knife treatment. Recovery times vary depending on the condition treated and your overall health.

You may need to schedule follow-up appointments and imaging afterwards to monitor your response to treatment.

What to expect from Gamma Knife surgery

Gamma Knife radiosurgery has been used safely for more than 50 years to treat brain and neurological conditions. Results vary depending on the condition being treated. Some tumors or lesions may shrink gradually over time, while other conditions may stabilize or improve after treatment.

At Ascension Alexian Brothers, our program has been certified for more than 20 years. We combine advanced technology with compassionate, personalized care to help support you throughout treatment and recovery.

Gamma Knife surgery at Ascension Illinois

The Gamma Knife Center at Ascension Illinois provides advanced stereotactic radiosurgery for complex brain and neurological conditions. As one of only a few Gamma Knife centers in Illinois, we offer access to highly specialized expertise close to home.

People choose Ascension Illinois for Gamma Knife treatment because we provide:

• Experienced neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists specializing in brain and spine conditions
• Advanced imaging and precision targeting technology
• Personalized treatment plans designed around your diagnosis and goals
• Collaborative care from a multidisciplinary team
• Minimally invasive treatment options that may help reduce recovery time
• Convenient outpatient care, with many treatments completed in one session

Our care team works closely with referring physicians and other specialists to coordinate care.