The non-invasive surgery of science fiction is now a reality! Harking back to more than 25 years ago, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery has changed the face of microsurgery forever. Its ability to non-invasively pinpoint and destroy cells in a chosen area without damage to surrounding tissues has been a godsend for patients that might otherwise be unable to receive treatment. The drawbacks associated with a surgical procedure that may have had you in the hospital for weeks or months — with the potential for complications from general anesthesia, difficulty healing or other factors — are now virtually eliminated.
If you or a loved one will be having this procedure, you are probably wondering how long does gamma knife surgery take?
What Is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
Despite the name, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is not an actual surgical procedure. The end results are similar, in that targeted lesions or anomalies are destroyed, which led to the term “surgery” being used in association with the procedure.
Also known as stereotactic radiosurgery, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a relatively safe and completely non-invasive means for surgeons and other specialists to pinpoint and destroy tiny areas of tissue without traumatizing surrounding tissues and structures. Using more than 200 tiny beams of highly focused gamma radiation, the offending area is targeted with pinpoint accuracy. It is particularly useful for intracranial procedures where opening the skull (craniotomy) is inadvisable.
The Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Process
It’s important to know what you can expect when undergoing Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Prior to your treatment day, make sure you tell your doctor about any medical conditions you may have and provide a list of medications and supplements you are taking. If you tend to be anxious during medical procedures, it’s also important to mention this so that a sedative will be ready for you upon your arrival.
The day before your surgery, there are a few things that can help speed the process when you arrive. These include washing your hair with a mild shampoo, although you should avoid using styling products. Depending on your surgical center’s recommendations, you may be advised to not eat or drink anything after midnight (in many cases water is okay).
Your neurosurgeon’s office will be able to advise you on where to go and when to arrive on the day of your procedure. Pre-operative blood work or other diagnostics may be run; you will also need to fill out and sign any associated paperwork that couldn’t be completed before. Make sure you aren’t wearing makeup, jewelry or hair accessories — these things can interfere with your treatment. Make sure your clothing is comfortable and loose-fitting.
Once everything is in order, you will be taken back to the treatment area to begin your Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. Your vitals will be taken and if you request or require a sedative, this will be administered to you at this point either orally or intravenously. Once situated for your treatment, the first steps will begin. These include placing the headframe, which acts as a stabilizer and a template of sorts to perfectly focus the gamma rays, followed by CT scans, an MRI or an angiography to visualize the precise points to focus your treatment.
Your Gamma Knife Radiosurgery team will then devise a treatment plan based on the images received from the diagnostics and determine the best positioning of the gamma rays and how long the treatment will need to last to get the maximum benefit.
Once treatment begins, your team will remain in an outer room while the gamma rays are administered; you will be able to communicate with them and vice versa throughout the whole procedure via an intercom system and video cameras. At no point are you left alone; someone will be monitoring the entire process.
Once the treatment is finished, the headframe will be removed. Unlike invasive surgery, the side effects that can be associated with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery are mild in comparison — they can include headaches, localized swelling or discomfort at the headframe pin sites and in rare cases, severe headache, skin irritation or nausea. If you experience any of these, inform your doctor so they can make note and administer appropriate care if needed.
In some cases your doctor will require an overnight stay in the hospital. This isn’t uncommon and should be heeded if recommended. You’ll likely be able to return to your normal daily activities within a couple of days; your neurosurgeon can better advise you on the length of time he or she would like you to rest and recover from your procedure.
How Long Does Gamma Knife Surgery Take?
You’re probably wondering: How long does Gamma Knife surgery take? The treatment itself is most often completed in under an hour, depending on the area being treated and the desired outcome. This will all be determined ahead of time when your team creates your treatment plan.
The effects of the treatment itself happen gradually. Because tissue is targeted and exposed to radiation, it can take several weeks and sometimes even years for the effects to be fully realized. Regular checkups with imaging will be scheduled to monitor progress and make sure the treatment is going according to plan.
Be sure to thoroughly discuss any questions or concerns you have surrounding Gamma Knife Radiosurgery with your physician and neurosurgeon. They can guide you through the process and help develop a treatment protocol that’s just right for you.
