Treating brain tumours using highly targeted, computer-guided radiation sounds like the ultimate in 21st-century medicine. But the idea dates back to the 1950s and the first Gamma Knife tools were developed in the 60s, 70s and 80s – almost a bygone era before the digital age of mobile phones and social media.

What is Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife surgery is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery, which uses a three-dimensional coordinate system in an advanced computer program to locate and treat brain lesions.

Despite its name, Gamma Knife surgery does not involve a surgical incision or blade. It’s a non-invasive radiation treatment using gamma rays.

What conditions may be treated with Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife surgery may be considered as a treatment option for:

Certain types of brain tumours, including meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, and metastatic brain tumours

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) – abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain
• Trigeminal neuralgia – a condition associated with severe facial pain
• Pituitary tumours – growths in the pituitary gland that can affect hormone regulation
• Movement disorders – in select cases, it may be considered for essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease.

What are the potential benefits of Gamma Knife surgery?

Gamma Knife surgery offers several potential benefits, depending on the individual case:

• Non-invasive approach: Does not require an incision, reducing risks associated with traditional surgery.
• Targeted precision: Aims to minimise any effects on healthy brain tissue surrounding the treatment site.
• Outpatient procedure: There’s usually no need for an overnight stay in hospital.
• Minimal downtime: Many patients resume normal activities within a short period.
• May enable treatment when traditional surgery isn’t possible: Some patients can’t have brain surgery, either because their tumour is too difficult to reach or because their health is too frail to withstand an operation.
• Can be combined with traditional surgery: This may be done to reduce the likelihood of the tumour growing back, for example.

Treatment outcomes vary depending on many individual patient factors. Your neurosurgeon will discuss the likely risks and benefits with you before you decide to proceed. A specialist can provide further information on expected results and  

How does Gamma Knife surgery work?

Gamma Knife surgery is a non-invasive procedure typically completed in a single session on an outpatient basis. For many patients, it’s a much more appealing option than traditional brain surgery.

The process includes the following steps:

• Patient preparation: To keep your head still so the treatment hits the right spot, you may be fitted with a stereotactic frame to ensure precise positioning.
• Imaging and treatment planning: MRI, CT, or angiographic scans are performed to pinpoint the exact location of the target area, followed by the development of a customised treatment plan.
• Radiation delivery: With your head in the right position, you lie on a treatment bed that moves into the Gamma Knife unit, where focused radiation beams target the designated area with high precision.
• Completion and recovery: The procedure usually takes a few hours and most patients can return home the same day.

Is Gamma Knife surgery the right option for you?

Your neurosurgeon considers many different factors when assessing whether Gamma Knife surgery is a potential way to treat your condition. Relevant factors include the type and location of your brain lesion, the pros and cons of other treatment options and your overall health.

Having reviewed your medical condition and assessed all relevant factors, your neurosurgeon can develop a personalised treatment plan that make include the use of Gamma Knife.

To learn more about Gamma Knife surgery and discuss your options, contact Macquarie Neurosurgery & Spine today.

Disclaimer

All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Macquarie Neurosurgery and Spine can consult with you regarding your individual health needs. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

References

• University of Virginia, Development of the Gamma Knife, https://med.virginia.edu/neurosurgery/services/gamma-knife/for-physicians/history-and-technical-overview/, [Accessed 11 February 2025]
• Cleveland Clinic, Stereotactic radiosurgery, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/stereotactic-radiosurgery_, [Accessed 11 February 2025]
• Cleveland Clinic, Gamma Knife surgery, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/16559-gamma-knife-surgery, [Accessed 11 February 2025]