What Is Gamma Knife Surgery and How Does It Work?
Imagine you have a delicate jigsaw puzzle to solve. Still, instead of using clumsy hands and a hammer, you employ a laser-guided beam that pieces everything together with unmatched precision.
Well, that’s a bit like what Gamma Knife surgery does for your brain!
Understanding this surgery is like opening the door to a world where cutting-edge technology meets the intricacies of the human brain.
But is this surgery really that effective?
To know that, let’s learn about what exactly is gamma knife surgery and its purpose, procedure, and benefits.
To understand how effective gamma knife surgery is, let’s delve into the story of one of our contented patients.
Abogaye Owusu from Ghana battled an excruciating pain that radiated from her jaw to the depths of her skull. What had once been the soothing aroma of her favorite tea had become a trigger, as even a sip sent lightning bolts of agony coursing through her face.
Each night, she lay awake, counting the hours until dawn, desperately seeking solace from the relentless torment. The doctors explained that her pain was caused by a rare condition called trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder that made even the gentlest touch feel like a searing blaze. Visits to local doctors provided temporary relief at best, but the pain always returned, more tenacious than before
Abogaye’s life was a nightmare until she heard about Gamma Knife surgery. While researching treatment options, she stumbled upon Medico Experts and that completely changed the course of her journey towards healing.
When she contacted our team, they told her that India has the most cost-effective and best-in-class treatment options. Keeping her fingers crossed, Abogaye traveled to India.
Our team gave her further details on Gamma Knife surgery, a treatment that sounded straight out of science fiction. No INCISIONS, NO SCARS, just focused beams of radiation to soothe the misfiring nerves causing her discomfort. Abogaye felt a glimmer of hope, which she experienced after a long time.
As the day of the surgery arrived, Abogaye’s heart raced with both anticipation and a hint of fear. But the medico experts team assured her that they would be with her every step of the way.
She was prepared and gently positioned under the Gamma Knife’s precision beams. The entire procedure took a few hours.
In the coming weeks after the procedure, Abogaye’s pain began to wane. Slowly, she regained the ability to enjoy her favorite tea, to laugh without a shadow of pain, and to sleep peacefully through the night.
Not only Abogaye but there are thousands of success stories of gamma knife surgery. But to understand why more and more people are opting for this revolutionary procedure, you need to know what exactly it is.
What is Gamma Knife Surgery?
Think about a precision tool so remarkable that it can target the tiniest spots in your brain with the accuracy of an expert archer hitting the bullseye.
But before you picture an actual knife, let’s set the record straight: there’s no cutting involved. Instead, it’s a super-advanced, non-invasive procedure that uses precisely focused radiation to treat a variety of brain conditions. Think of it as a celestial orchestra of radiation beams, working together like a symphony, directed by skilled medical conductors.
Whether you’re dealing with brain tumors, blood vessel abnormalities, or nerve pain, Gamma Knife surgery steps up to the plate, preserving healthy tissue while gently handling the troublesome issues.
In more technical terms, this procedure uses very precise beams of gamma rays to treat lesions (an area of an organ or tissue that has suffered damage through injury or disease) or tumors. These gamma rays send intense radiation to the affected area without any cutting or scars.
For what medical conditions is it utilized as a treatment?
To treat the following conditions gamma knife surgery is used:
- Brain tumors
- Trigeminal neuralgia (a condition that affects nerves in your face causing excruciating pain)
- Arteriovenous malformations (a tangle of blood vessels that connect arteries and veins irregularly)
- Tremors (unintentional and uncontrolled movements of a limb or any part of your body)
- Some types of epilepsy
- Acoustic Neuroma (a type of noncancerous tumor)
While evaluating a patient for gamma knife surgery, doctors will check these factors:
- Patient’s age
- Their medical conditions
- Size and location of the brain malformation
- Previous history of treatments
How to prepare before the surgery?
The preparation before the gamma knife procedure is not much different from other medical treatments. Your doctor may ask you to visit for a blood test and also to meet the team involved in the procedure. Depending on your medical condition the team might contain a radiation oncologist or neurosurgon.
As part of your pre-procedure consultation, the doctor will record your medical history and conduct a physical examination.
The precautions you need to take are:
- To reduce the chances of stomach problems, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- To make sure you are well rested for the procedure, go to bed early the previous night.
- The night before the procedure, wash your hair, wash it with a mild shampoo but avoid using any other toiletries.
- Tell your doctor if you have any pacemaker, aneurysm clip (a metal clip in the brain), implanted nerve stimulator, spine stabilization hardware, or any such implants or devices.
How is Gamma Knife Surgery done?
The radiosurgery team who will do this procedure consists of a neurosurgon, radiation oncologist, radiation therapist, medical physicist, and critical care nurse.
The surgery involves several steps. The initial few steps vary if the procedure needs an external rigid headframe or a frameless mask.
If the procedure needs this rigid headframe, these steps are followed:
- Your neurosurgon will position a box-shaped headframe on your head. It works like a frame of reference for the team and it helps in planning your treatment. Most importantly, it will keep them completely aligned during the procedure.
- The team will give you four anesthetic injections – two in the back of your head and one on each side. These injections are given to fasten the special pins of your headframe to your skull. Initially, you may feel a bit of pressure but slowly it will fade.
The frameless procedure needs a thermoplastic mask which is placed over your face. Your nose will not be covered to help you breathe easily.
There will be a frame attached to your gamma knife table and this mask is then secured in it. This is done to keep your head completely still so that the team can do the procedure without any obstructions.
The rest of the steps are the same for both frameless and frame-based procedures. So here are the steps:
- A radiation therapist will take the measurement of your head. After that, a CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will be done. The team needs these scans and your head measurements to plan the procedure.
- You may have an IV line inserted in your arm to help the contrast agent (a type of dye) to be delivered for your CT scan and MRI. If needed, the team will use this IV line to deliver sedatives to help you relax. Only in some cases, general anesthesia is used.
- As said before, the team will now plan the line of treatment after checking the results of the scans and other information. They will decide the areas that need treatment, the dose of radiation, and how to target the affected area. The treatment and planning may take up to 12 hours.
- Once the planning is done and you lie on the gamma knife table completely relaxed, the table slowly moves into the gamma knife machine where you get the radiation. Though the team immediately leaves the room they will observe you using cameras and monitors while the procedure goes on.
- Depending on the complexity of the lesion, the procedure may take 30 minutes to 3 hours. The treatment will be completely painless and you do not need to hold your breath, just breathe normally and relax.
- After the procedure is over, the therapist will remove your headframe or mask and help you off the table.
Depending on the type and size of the tumor or lesion you may need more than one treatment session. You need to come for the treatment each day as per the schedule until the treatment plan is completed.
What is the cost of gamma knife surgery?
The cost of this procedure is about INR 33,02,460 ($40000) to INR 57,16,388 ($70000) in the UK, USA, Canada, and other Western countries. But the cost of this treatment is drastically low in India. It starts in our country from $6500.
At Medico Experts, we understand that you want world-class treatment at a reasonable and we strive to give you the same. What’s more, we hand-hold you throughout your journey and ease it for you.
How?
We have empanelled the doctors who are masters of their super-specialty. We have a network of the best hospitals in our panel that have different cost ranges, which will give you the option to opt for the best price available without compromising the quality of treatment.
We also offer extensive medical procedures to our inbound and outbound patients to make sure they do not have any hiccups in their recovery process.
What’s more, our globally renowned tumor board, a team of highly skilled cancer experts, will present a comprehensive evaluation of your medical case and help you find the best treatment approach.
What are the benefits of Gamma knife surgery?
The best part of this surgery is that it is a non-invasive procedure that uses highly focused radiation beams to treat tumors and conditions within the brain. The technology used in Gamma Knife surgery allows for extremely precise targeting of the treatment area. This accuracy helps spare healthy surrounding tissues and critical brain structures, minimizing damage and side effects
Since no incisions are made, patients generally experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. To boot, anesthesia is often not required, and in most cases, patients can resume their daily activities shortly after treatment.
The absence of surgical incisions translates to a shorter recovery time compared to traditional brain surgery. Most patients can return to their regular routines within a few days.
Gamma Knife surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients don’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. This further contributes to a faster recovery and reduced medical costs.
Some tumors or conditions may be located in areas that are difficult to access through traditional surgery. Gamma Knife can treat these inoperable cases effectively.
A team of medical professionals, including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical physicists, collaborate to plan and execute Gamma Knife procedures. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive and individualized treatment.
Gamma Knife surgery has been used for several decades and has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating various brain conditions. This procedure has a 90% success rate for treating small AVMs (Arteriovenous malformations).
What are the side effects of this procedure?
Generally, gamma knife surgery has minimal side effects but there are exceptions to the norms. Its side effects may include:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the brain
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the pin placement points.
- Tiredness
- Bleeding
- Hair loss
- seizures
How to find the best hospital in India for Gamma Knife Surgery
India has turned into a medical hub as the country has some excellent Hospitals that provide superior quality healthcare without burning a big hole in your pocket.
Contrary to its Western counterparts, India provides health care services that are cost-effective, and at the same time, you don’t need to compromise on the quality. Apart from the cost-effectiveness and excellence of services, the country has some of the best doctors for the procedure.
At Medico Experts, we aim to help you find a suitable hospital that has been accredited by NABH and JCI and we make sure that you settle for nothing but the best.
So what’s stopping you from availing our services?
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
1. What is the survival rate of Gamma Knife surgery?
The survival rate after Gamma Knife surgery depends on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient’s health. If the surgery is used to treat a benign brain tumor that is not cancerous, the survival rate might be quite high, as these tumors are usually slow-growing and not life-threatening in themselves. However, if the surgery is being used to treat a malignant brain tumor (brain cancer), the survival rate could be influenced by factors such as the tumor type, its location, the patient’s age, overall health, and other treatment options.
2. Is Gamma Knife surgery painful?
Gamma Knife treatment is generally not painful, as it is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve any surgical incisions.
3. How safe is Gamma Knife surgery?
Gamma Knife surgery is considered to be a safe and effective treatment option for various brain conditions. It minimizes the risk of infection and complications associated with traditional surgery since it’s non-invasive. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, which should be discussed with a medical professional before undergoing treatment.
4. How quickly does Gamma Knife treatment work?
The effects of Gamma Knife treatment may not be immediately apparent, as it often takes time for the targeted tissue to respond to the radiation. Depending on the condition being treated, it can take weeks to months for the therapeutic effects to become evident, as the radiation works to gradually shrink tumors or address other targeted issues within the brain. Regular follow-up imaging and consultations with medical professionals are typically required to monitor progress over time.
5. What size tumor can be treated with Gamma Knife?
Gamma knife can treat abnormalities measuring less than 3 centimeters, or 1 inch in diameter.
Best Doctors for Gamma Knife Surgery
Best Hospitals for Gamma Knife Surgery
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Marie travelled from Ghana for a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery in India and was able to resume her daily activities pain-free.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Marie and I am 56 years old. I was prescribed medicine when I started to experience hip pain several years ago, had MRI performed, but felt no relief or adequate diagnosis of my hip disease. I couldn’t bend, or enjoy any of my previous activities. Moving my hip even a little would cause me immense pain. Eventually my doctors asked me to get an x-ray done, and the results showed that my left leg was shorter than my right and this could be corrected after a hip replacement surgery. I spoke to my local doctor and started checking for options to get this treatment.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
While scrolling through Facebook, I came across an advertisement about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, and quickly filled up the enquiry form. Within 24hrs, I got in touch with their patient care expert and began discussing my condition. The orthopaedic surgeon in India reviewed my reports and said that I was a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery. And with that I began my plan to travel to India to receive my treatment.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
My experience was very good. MedicoExperts team kept in touch with me throughout my journey and was very kind and helpful. My surgeon too was excellent and I was discharged from the hospital very soon. I was able to resume work 2 weeks after my surgery and also have been able to move better. My life is better and renewed now.
Douglas from Ethiopia was diagnosed with arthritis and received robot assisted hip replacement surgery in India.
Tell us about yourself
I am Douglas from Ethiopia and after years of physical activities, I recently began experiencing pain in simple movements of my hip. After getting tests done, I was diagnosed with advanced arthritis on my hips. I felt all the symptoms of arthritis – joint stiffness, pain, swelling, tenderness, and even had difficulty in walking. My local doctors suggested total hip replacement surgery
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I was looking for treatment options in Kenya, when I happened to see and advert about an advanced technique of hip replacement surgery by MedicoExperts. I was curious and got in touch with them. I shared my reports with and we started to prepare for my travel to India.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
MedicoExperts’ team is very prompt and helpful. They answered all my questions and also helped me choose the best surgeon and hospital based on my preference and budget. I have no doubt that I made a good choice coming to India. Thank you MedicoExperts, I am well and without any pain now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDZh1NuxRg4
My mother is 70 years old and had difficulty in walking, but today she is okay, thanks to MedicoExperts team and the doctor who treated my mother. First, I had my doubts about getting treated here, but my doubts were put to rest and I am glad I found MedicoExperts, my mother is able to walk again.
I found MedicoExperts on Social Media – Facebook and they helped me to get the very good treatment done in Nigeria by the best Indian orthopaedic surgeon. Initially, I was scared and did not believe it was possible to get such good treatment in Ibadan, Nigeria where I live, but then I saw the name of the doctor and called MedicoExperts and I was told to visit the MedicoExperts Surgical Centre and get treatment in Nigeria. This has saved us the trouble and cost of travelling and accommodation. I gave this a try and my mother can walk now, and I really impressed with the outcome. I will fully recommend this to anyone out there.
