Patient Information

Gamma Knife Surgery Patient Information

The Gamma Knife procedure is overseen by a team of experts, including a radiation oncologist, a neurosurgeon, a physicist and others, including neurotologists and neuro interventionalists. In most cases, a patient has a single, outpatient treatment and can return to normal activities right away.

There are four main steps:

Positioning the frame on the head
Having an MRI, CT or angiogram, an imaging treatment like an X-ray
Planning the treatment
Having the treatment

Procedure Frame

Prior to the procedure, a patient will be fitted for a lightweight head frame that will precisely position your head for the treatment. Positioning the lightweight frame does not require the hair to be cut or shaved. A local anesthetic or numbing agent is applied where the frame is to be placed and the frame is gently positioned on the head with four screws. The purpose of the frame is to keep the head steady during the treatment time.

Once the frame is in place, the patient goes to the Radiology Department for an imaging treatment to exactly define the location, size and shape of the treatment area. These images are used for sophisticated treatment planning to personalize the treatment to the needs of the patient. Computerized dosimetry will be used to calculate your exact dose, treatment time and head position. While this treatment planning is done, the patient can rest, eat, drink, read or even watch television.
Based on the specific and personalized plan, the treatment will begin. During the procedure you will lay on the Gamma Knife bed, and the stereotactic head frame will be attached to a collimator helmet. The bed moves into the Gamma Knife, and the radiation will be applied. You will remain in constant voice contact with the treatment team during the procedure. The number of movements of the machine will depend on the shape of the treatment area. The treatment team watches the patient on closed circuit television during the entire time of the treatment and the patient and staff communicate with an intercom system. The treatment is silent and totally painless.
After the treatment is complete, the frame is removed. Some patients may experience a mild headache or slight swelling where the frame was positioned. The doctor will discuss how to manage these after effects before the patient leaves the center and will also talk about needed follow up visits to see results of the treatment. Within a day or so, the patient may return to his or her normal routines.