Gamma Knife Surgery is not an operation performed with a knife!

It's normal to feel a lot of fear when your doctor tells you that you have a tumor or something wrong with your brain. That fear increases even more when you hear, "I'm going to have to have surgery." But did you know that there is a very advanced method that can treat things like brain tumors without even using a knife, without making any incisions? That's what we call Gamma Knife Surgery. Although the name says "surgery" and "knife," this is not actually a surgery performed with a knife.

So what is this Gamma Knife?

Simply put, Gamma Knife is a treatment method that uses high-energy radiation. This is also a type of radiation therapy. But the specialty is that it can be very precisely and precisely directed at the target. That is why the word "knife" is used. Just as a surgeon makes a precise cut with a knife, gamma rays are used to treat only the problematic area of ​​the brain with the same precision, but without any incisions.

Imagine, it's like using a magnifying glass to focus the light on a piece of paper. The paper doesn't burn everywhere, only where it's focused. The gamma knife method is similar. About 200 weak gamma rays are directed at the tumor or diseased area in the brain at once. Since each beam is weak on its own, it doesn't harm the surrounding healthy brain tissue. But where all 200 rays come together, that is, where the tumor is located, they generate a high energy and destroy those cells. This method belongs to a type of stereotactic radiosurgery.

What diseases is Gamma Knife treatment used for?

The main goal of Gamma Knife therapy is to shrink, stop the growth of, or completely destroy a tumor or other condition in the brain. It is a very effective solution for problems that are deep in the brain, which are usually difficult to reach with surgery.

Sometimes this treatment is used for people who cannot undergo regular surgery, or to prevent a tumor from coming back after surgery.

How should I prepare before treatment?

Before starting this treatment, you will meet with a neurosurgeon and a radiation oncologist. They will examine you. At this time, you should tell your doctor about any devices you have in your body, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or medication pump.

Also, tell them about any allergies you have. They will also ask if you can lie still for 30-60 minutes during the treatment. This may be difficult for people with lung disease or esophageal reflux.

Typically, the advice you receive might look like this:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before treatment.
• If you have medication to take in the morning, take it with a sip of water only. Bring all the medications you use, even your inhaler, to the hospital.
• Wash your head thoroughly the night before and keep it clean.
• Do not put any clips, pins, or bands on your hair on the day of the treatment.
• Wear shoes that are easy to take off and loose clothing.
• It is essential to arrange for someone to take you to the hospital and back home .

What are these two methods, Frame and Frameless?

There are two ways to keep the head in one place without moving during Gamma Knife treatment.

1. Frame method: In this method, a lightweight metal frame is attached to your head. This keeps your head still and directs the rays precisely to the target. Four small pins are used to attach this frame to your head. But don't worry, you won't feel any pain because a local anesthetic is injected into the four areas. You may feel a slight tingling sensation.

2. Frameless method: In this method, a special mask or mesh-like device is used that is made to fit your face. This mask is attached to the treatment bed and keeps your head still.

Although both of these methods may seem a little scary, the doctor will give you medication if needed to keep you calm.

How is the treatment done?

On the day of treatment, there are several steps.

• IV: An IV cannula is placed in a vein in your arm. This is where the contrast dye needed for the imaging test and, if necessary, medicine to calm you down is given. For young children, this is usually done after they are completely asleep under general anesthesia.
• Imaging Tests: Next, you will have a CT scan or MRI scan of your brain. This will help determine the exact size, shape, and location of the tumor or lesion.
• Treatment planning: Now is the most important part. A team including a neurosurgeon, a radiologist, and a medical physicist work together to plan the entire treatment using a computer using the images from the scans. This is where everything is decided very precisely, including how much radiation to give and at what angle to direct it.
• Giving the treatment: Once the planning is complete, you will be taken to the room where the Gamma Knife machine is located. A frame or mask will be attached to your head and you will lie down on the machine bed. The bed will then slowly move into the machine.

When the treatment is finished, you will be taken out of the machine and the frame or mask will be removed. The entire treatment will take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the condition of the patient.

What happens after treatment? And what are the benefits?

You may feel a little sleepy after the treatment. That's why you need someone to drive you home. In most cases, you can go home the same day. You can start your normal activities the next day. This is one of the biggest advantages of this treatment.

The main advantages of Gamma Knife treatment:

• There are no incisions: no cutting of the skin, no opening of the scalp.
• Safe: It can safely treat deep areas of the brain that cannot be reached by conventional surgery.
• Correct: Damage to surrounding healthy tissue is minimal.
• Quick recovery: No need to stay in the hospital for days. You can return to normal life quickly.
• Simultaneous treatment: Multiple areas can be treated at the same time.

Are there any side effects or risks?

The risks associated with this treatment are very low, but sometimes minor side effects may occur.

How long does it take to know the results?

This is not an immediate effect. It can take weeks, months, or even a year or more to see the full effects of treatment. Cancerous tumors may shrink or stop growing within a few months. Non-cancerous tumors may stop growing but may not shrink in size. Therefore, it is very important to continue to go for follow-ups and scans as your doctor recommends.

Gamma Knife Surgery, brain tumor, radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, brain surgery