The Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive, advanced radiation therapy focused on small to
medium-sized tumours located in the brain. Unlike as suggested in name the procedure
does not include surgical incision but involves radiation therapy with single, many
beams of high-intensity gamma radiation, targeted very precisely to destroy a
tumour.
Basically, the Gamma
Knife treatment includes six steps:
Preparation
Applying the frame
Imaging studies
Treatment planning
Gamma Knife treatment
Recovery
Since this is a
non-invasive procedure, surgical risks are eliminated and can be performed in a
day or two without hampering much of the daily activity. If you have been
scheduled for a gamma surgery, you may feel apprehensive. You need not feel
anxious as the preparation is quite simple and involve only a few steps.
Preparation prior to the day of the therapy
The preparation starts, a day
prior the scheduled gamma knife surgery. Depending on your medical findings,
doctors may recommend certain medications which should be taken
positively. It is advised to fast for
eight hours before the treatment. So, preferably don’t eat anything after
midnight. In case you witness any
abnormal pain, immediately inform the doctor.
Wash your hair using shampoo and
refrain from using any product other than shampoo. It is good to take adequate
sleep, so try sleeping early.
Make sure you have a family member
or a friend who can accompany you to the hospital, stay at the hospital during
the entire treatment.
Preparation on the day of treatment
The procedure usually takes a day
and you will be discharged the next day. It is good to wear comfortable and
relaxing clothes. Remove all your accessories,
contact lenses, hairpieces, dentures and avoid any makeup products. Make sure
you reach the hospital within time. Before you change into the hospital gown it
is best to empty your bladder.
Applying the Frame
The head is cleaned at the
position where the stereotactic frame is placed. The local anaesthetics are administered at
the pinpoints of the frame to achieve numbness in these areas, following which
the head frame is placed. A slight discomfort may be felt at the time of administration
of anaesthesia and frame insertion but this will last only for a short
duration.
Imaging Studies
Subsequently, after frame
attachment, imaging studies are performed to trace the exact location of a
tumour. The imaging tools may include
computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or a
cerebral angiogram. The images obtained from these are used by the team to plan
the specialized treatment.
Treatment Planning
On completion of the imaging, you
are allowed to relax and take rest for some time; meanwhile, the team works on
the treatment plan.
Gamma Knife Treatment
When the team is ready with the
treatment plan, you will be assisted to the gamma knife area. The nurse will
instruct you to lie down on the bed. In most of the patients, a blood pressure
cuff, oxygen monitor and EKG monitor is connected to monitor vital signs. A special helmet, known as collimator helmet,
is fitted over the stereotactic frame. After making all the necessary
arraignments for the initiation of the treatment, the team will leave the room.
You will also be observed with a video monitor.
Recovery
Upon completion of the therapy
session, the stereotactic frame is removed and a sterile dressing is applied at
the pin insertion points. You may have a headache or nausea after the
treatment. You can communicate with the
nurse and get medicines. Most of the patients will be
discharged the next day. You can return
to your normal activities, eat and drink as per your mood and choice.
