Neurosurgery is one of the most challenging and complex fields in the medical world. The slightest mistake that can be made during the operation can cause the patient to become disabled or die for life. While the tumor tissue was removed using the open surgery method in patients with brain tumors, it is now possible to destroy or stop the growth of the tumor tissue with the stereotactic radiosurgery method, which is a type of radiation therapy. Today, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which is one of the stereotactic radiosurgery methods, is one of the preferred methods in brain surgeries. For those who are curious about Gamma Knife technology, you can review the rest of the article.
What is Gamma Knife?
Radiation is the name given to all kinds of energy emitted. Thanks to the recent technological developments, innovations are also seen in the treatment methods used in radiation oncology. Stereotactic radiotherapy is one of the most frequently used treatment methods in radiation oncology. Gamma Knife technology, one of the stereotactic treatment methods, takes its name from gamma rays and the word "knife", which means knife in English. A real blade used in open surgeries is not mentioned here, and no incision is made in the head area in this method. Gamma Knife is based on the delivery of focused beams to the target tissue in one go. Gamma Knife technology is a radiation therapy method that has been used since the 1960s. Its difference from normal radiation therapy is that it is possible to transfer high-dose energy beam to the tumor in a single shot. The most important advantage of Gamma Knife technology is that while maximum energy is sent to the targeted tumor tissue, it does not harm the surrounding tissues. The success rate is quite high, especially in small-sized tumors detected in the early period. During Gamma Knife surgery, it is aimed to destroy the tumor tissue without harming the patient. . If the patient is found suitable for the Gamma Knife method, the steps of the procedure are started. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia unless otherwise stated. There is no need for the patient to be hungry on the day of the operation. Before starting the operation, a frame is attached to the patient's head, an impression is taken and local anesthesia is applied to the patient. Afterwards, the attached frame is fixed to the patient's head and MRI is taken. Calculations are made on the images obtained from MRI. While making the calculation, attention is paid to ensure that the targeted tumor tissue receives the maximum dose of radiation and that the surrounding tissues are affected by this radiation at a minimum level. After the necessary calculations are made, the patient is placed in the machine. The process is completed by irradiating in one go. Before the Gamma Knife operation, the preparation process may take 1.5-2 hours. The duration of the patient's stay in the machine is 1.5-2 hours on average, although it varies according to the size of the lesion. After the procedure, the patient is given a serum and painkillers are given. After the operation, patients are usually discharged on the same day. Thanks to the developing technology, treatment can be performed by using a mask instead of a frame. The biggest advantage of using masks in treatment is that it provides ease of access to tumors that press on the optic nerve. . Brain metastases are the most common diseases. In addition, Gamma Knife beam technology is a preferred treatment method in the treatment of meningiomas. Meningioma is not the brain itself; They are benign tumors that originate from the brain membrane, grow over time and often damage the brain tissue. The Gamma Knife method has been used for many years in the treatment of meningiomas. Another disease in which Gamma Knife technology is used is trigeminal neuralgia, which causes very severe facial pain. In addition to these, Gamma Knife treatment method is also used in acoustic neuroma disease that can cause hearing and balance loss. Tumors that originate from the auditory and balance nerves in the brain and are usually benign are called acoustic neuromas. Especially lesions less than 3.5 cm are very suitable for the Gamma Knife method. Another type of disease for which Gamma Knife radiation therapy is used are tumors known as pituitary adenomas. Primarily open in pituitary adenomas surgery is preferred, but Gamma Knife technology is often used as a complement to surgery to reduce the possibility of tumor recurrence.
Areas of Use
- Metastatic brain tumors
- Meningioma
- Acoustic Schwannoma
- Pituitary tumor
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Artriovenous malformation
- Cranial nerve schwannomas
- Astrocytoma
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- Glioblastoma
- Hemangiopericytoma
- Hemangioblastoma
- Chordoma
- Trigeminal schwannoma
- Pineal region tumors
- Head bone tumors
- Juvenile angiofibroma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Uveal Melanoma
- Parkinson's disease
- Essential tremor
- Epilepsy • Chronic pain
- Cavernoms
- Other benign brain tumors
- Other functional diseases
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any side effects of treatment with Gamma Knife?
As with every treatment, after Gamma Knife treatment Some side effects may occur. It is not possible to treat every patient with the Gamma Knife treatment method. For this reason, some laboratory tests are performed to determine whether the patient is suitable for the procedure. Rarely, some patients may experience side effects due to Gamma energy applied after the procedure. However, the possibility of side effects after Gamma Knife treatment performed with the right methods by a team of experts in the field is very low.
What are the advantages of Gamma Knife radiosurgery? It provides to reach and treat tumors located in the brain and risky areas of the brain without the need for it. In Gamma Knife treatment, only tumor tissue is targeted. In this way, healthy tissues around the tumor tissue are not affected by radiation energy. Another advantage of the treatment is that there is no need for intensive care as in the open surgery method. The recovery time is short, so the patient can return to his daily work faster. The patient can be discharged on the same day.
How is the process after Gamma Knife treatment? After the
Gamma Knife treatment, patients should follow the set control schedule. The first control after treatment is usually 3 months. is also done. The doctor who performs the procedure checks whether there are any side effects of the beam, such as edema, at the first control, and informs the patient about the condition of the lesion.
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