Patients with prior surgical treatment where lesions have not been completely removed and Gamma Knife is an appropriate adjunct therapy. Patients who are considered high risk for anesthesia and conventional surgery due to advanced age or medical conditions. Eliminates risk of infection, hemorrhage and spinal fluid leakage of open skull surgery. Eliminates scarring and potential disfigurement for patients. Patients can be treated largely on an outpatient basis rather than being hospitalized for two weeks.
Patients can resume their normal activities upon discharge.
Time lost from employment is minimal. The planning phase can take up to four hours. Eventually a large helmet, containing 201 portals through which the radiation beams are aimed, is attached to the stereotactic frame, ensuring perfect alignment during treatment. Gamma Knife couch which can convey patients head-first into a heavily shielded globe which contains the radioactive cobalt. Actual treatment lasts about 45-60 minutes.