GAMMA KNIFE

What is Gamma Knife and in what treatments is it used?

Gamma Knife is an advanced stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) method used to treat brain tumors and other neuro-oncological conditions. Although its name means "knife," this method does not involve any surgical incisions. Gamma Knife effectively treats diseased tissues by targeting high-intensity radiation beams with great precision.

What is Gamma Knife?

Gamma Knife is a type of radiosurgery used in the treatment of brain tumors and other brain diseases. Although its name means "knife," this treatment method does not involve any surgical incision. Gamma Knife effectively treats diseased tissues by targeting high-intensity radiation beams very precisely.

How Does Gamma Knife Work?

Gamma Knife directs gamma rays from 201 cobalt-60 radioactive sources to diseased brain tissue with millimeter precision. These rays converge at a single point, delivering high doses of radiation to the targeted tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. In this way, the tumor or lesion is reduced or destroyed.

What Diseases Is Gamma Knife Used to Treat?

Gamma Knife is used in the treatment of brain tumors (both malignant and benign), arteriovenous malformations (AVM), trigeminal neuralgia, Parkinson's disease, and some functional brain disorders. This method is especially preferred in cases where surgical intervention is difficult or risky.

What Advantages Does Gamma Knife Have Over Traditional Surgery?

Gamma Knife does not require any surgical incisions, so there is no risk of infection. Anesthesia is not required, and patients can usually return home the same day. In addition, its ability to target diseased tissue very precisely ensures that surrounding healthy tissue is protected.

Is Gamma Knife Safe?

Gamma Knife is a treatment method that has been used for decades and has proven to be safe. Side effects are minimal and usually temporary. Serious complications after treatment are rare.

How Long Does Gamma Knife Treatment Take?

Gamma Knife treatment is usually completed within a few hours. It may take up to a day in total, including patient preparation, treatment process and a short observation period.

Is Gamma Knife a Painful Procedure?

Gamma Knife treatment is generally painless. The patient does not feel any discomfort during the treatment. However, slight discomfort may be felt during the placement of the head frame prior to the treatment.

What Is The Recovery Process After Gamma Knife Treatment?

The recovery period after Gamma Knife treatment is very short. Patients can usually return to their normal activities within a few days. Post-treatment symptoms are minimal and pass in a short time.

Is Gamma Knife Treatment Suitable for Everyone?

Gamma Knife treatment may not be suitable for all patients. The suitability of the treatment depends on factors such as the patient's general health status, location and size of the tumor or lesion. A detailed evaluation is necessary for each patient.

In Which Cases Is Gamma Knife Treatment Preferred?

Gamma Knife treatment is a preferred method especially in the following cases:

• Brain Metastases: If cancer has spread to the brain, the Gamma Knife offers an effective and minimally invasive treatment option. This method is preferred in cases where surgery is risky or tumors are difficult to surgically remove.
• Meningiomas: Used in the treatment of benign tumors that form in the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Gamma Knife allows precise targeting of meningiomas, thus causing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Pituitary Adenomas: Gamma Knife is an effective method in the treatment of tumors that occur in the pituitary gland. This treatment is used to control the hormone production of the tumor and to shrink the tumor.
• Acoustic Neuromas: Used in the treatment of tumors that occur in the hearing and balance nerves. Gamma Knife helps prevent hearing loss and balance problems by stopping the growth of the tumor.
• Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM): Used in the treatment of abnormal structural disorders of the blood vessels in the brain. Gamma Knife ensures the closure of these abnormal vascular structures and the reduction of the risk of bleeding.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: Gamma Knife is used to treat this condition, which causes severe facial pain. Radiosurgery helps reduce pain by targeting the trigeminal nerve.
• Parkinson's Disease and Other Functional Brain Disorders: Gamma Knife can be effective in relieving the symptoms of such neurological disorders. It is especially used to control tremors and movement disorders.

Gamma Knife treatment is also preferred in cases where surgical intervention is risky or the patient is not suitable for surgery due to their general health condition. It is also an ideal option when tumors or lesions are located in areas that are difficult to reach surgically. Treatment plans are adapted according to the individual conditions of the patients and the most effective and safe treatment method is determined.

Is Any Preparation Required Before Gamma Knife Treatment?

Before Gamma Knife treatment, a detailed medical history and imaging tests are reviewed for the patient. On the day of treatment, the patient is fitted with a head frame and targeted. These preparations are necessary for the treatment to be applied precisely and effectively.