The Gamma Knife for Non-Invasive Brain Surgery

Q:  I read about a new type of brain surgery that is performed using an instrument called a "Gamma Knife." The article said this instrument can safely shrink an acoustic neuroma, a more common form of brain tumor, by using radiation. Can you tell me more about this?

A:  Not really a knife at all, the Gamma Knife is a device for delivering high-dose radiation that is shaped to the exact parameters of a targeted lesion. Developed and in use in Sweden for more than 20 years, it is now in use in the United States. Froedtert & Medical College use Gamma Knife treatment for patients with benign brain tumors, brain metastases from other cancer sites, or abnormal blood vessels that were previously considered "inoperable" because the tumors were too deep inside the brain or too close to vital structures.

The procedure is done while the patient is awake, takes only minutes, and causes no pain or blood loss. Usually the patient can resume normal activities the following day.

For more information on the Gamma Knife and how it is used by Froedtert & Medical College doctors, see our HealthLink article Gamma Knife Brain Surgery: No Pain, No Incision, No Anesthesia.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.