Gamma knife surgery is a type of
radiation therapy used in the treatment of brain tumours,
vascular malformations and other abnormalities in brain or cervical spine. It
is not a surgery as there is neither an incision (cut) given during therapy nor
any kind of knife is involved in the procedure. Gamma knife radiation therapy is a precise form of
therapeutic radiotherapy that uses several beams of highly focused gamma radiations
that fuse to form an intense dose of radiation, meticulously focused on the
lesion under treatment (only). There is minimum effect on the surrounding
healthy tissue.
During gamma knife procedure a metal frame is secured
around patient’s head, after which exact location of tumour is detected with
the help of CT or MRI. A three-dimensional radiation treatment is then planned
which aims to focus on the exact contours of the lesion. Almost 200 small gamma
radiations are focused simultaneously at the target. Duration of the treatment
can vary from few minutes to few hours depending on the type and area involved.
Advantages:
Minimally invasive as it does not involves cuts or opening
of skull.
Safe
and highly effective therefore very little chance of damage to surrounding or
nearby healthy tissue.
Since
it doesn’t require general anaesthesia (may be required in case of children) it
eliminates the possibility of side effects related to general anaesthesia.
Highly
indicated for patients in which conventional surgical techniques is of little
help e.g., in elderly patient, who sometimes cannot take the stress of major
surgery (because of some other medical condition or advancing age) and is also
indicated in few hard to treat, inoperable lesions because of the location deep
within the brain,which can limit the surgical approach.
No
risk of infection, haemorrhage, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak which may happen
in conventional surgical intervention.
Painless
hence very little discomfort.
Since
it is done on outpatient basis, thus it doesn’t require lengthy post treatment
hospital stay and also ensures faster recovery.Patient can also resume to
routine activities usually within a day.
Cost
effective and minimizes the rehabilitation cost.
Accurate
and reliable.
Gamma knife
procedure has become the most
preferred treatment for brain tumours. It is performed in several leading hospitals across the globe.
It has been in function for more than a decade and lakhs of patients have
benefited from this treatment. It can be used alone, as an alternative to
conventional surgery, may also be indicated post-surgery or whole brain
radiation for treating any recurrences or residual tumour and can be used in
conjunction with traditional surgery or other radiation therapy.
In today’s era, India has become the
most coveted option for international patients who are looking for quality treatment,
excellent services and hospitality at affordable price, due to which India is
gaining immense popularity in field of medical tourism at global level. It is
estimated that the cost of
gamma knife surgery in India is almost half or less than half the cost
of similar procedure in developed countries, which makes it highly advantageous
for medical tourists. Many cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore , Pune
,Chennai( and many more) offer gamma knife radiosurgery and the hospitals which cater this treatment
are well equipped with state of the art facilities and highly skilled and
experienced health care professionals who not only treat the patient’s disease
with greatest care and professionalism but also makes them feel at home.
Medical tourism companies in India play a vital role in helping foreign patients travelling to India
to seek medical treatment. From basic arrangements (that is, right from
arranging medical visa, accommodation for patient and family, health meals as
advised by the doctor, to and fro airport travel and vacation tour) to
(provide)access to the best hospitals in the country. Ensure patient’s safety,
care and maintain medical ethics to take care of patient’s needs. Indian
government also provides incentives and guideline for information and knowledge
of medical tourists and patients. Takes care of patient’s safety at greatest
priority and ensures strict implementation of international health standards.
Thus, India represents a cost-effective, safe, approachable and beneficial
alternative than expensive medical treatment to foreign patients (at home)
which makes it a most preferred medical destination well within reach of the
patient.
