Stereotactic Radiosurgery

There are several different types of SRS treatments including:

• Gamma Knife
  Gamma Knife radiosurgery is one of the most common forms of SRS. It uses a machine that is equipped with many small beams of radiation to target a specific area in the brain. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is typically used to treat small to medium-sized brain tumors.
  
• CyberKnife Radiosurgery
  CyberKnife radiosurgery is similar to Gamma Knife, however, it uses a robotic arm to deliver the radiation, allowing for better flexibility. CyberKnife is typically used to treat larger or irregularly shaped tumors, as well as tumors located in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional radiation therapy.
  
• Linear Accelerator
  LINAC or linear accelerator radiosurgery uses machinery that moves around the patient to administer high-energy x-rays. It is used to treat large tumors.

Benefits of SRS treatment include:

• Precise Radiation Therapy – By administering an exact dosage of radiation to the exact target location, SRS minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding areas that are still healthy. This can help cut down on side effects as well as potential complications associated with radiation therapy.
• Non-Invasive Treatment – SRS is non-surgical and therefore a non-invasive treatment when compared to surgical methods of brain tumor removal.
• Quick Recovery Time – SRS is often completed in one session reducing overall treatment time and allowing patients to return to their day-to-day lives quickly.

Prior to treatment, initial imaging tests will likely be performed to give doctors a better idea of the placement and magnitude of brain tumors. A physical exam as well as blood tests may also be administered to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo radiation.

A head frame is typically attached to the head to ensure accurate results. Once the head frame is in place, your doctor will perform additional imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans to determine the exact location and size of any tumors. Afterward, patients are moved to a treatment table where radiation machinery is used to deliver focused beams of radiation to the target area.

Patients are monitored for a short period of time to ensure there are no complications. Depending on the type of SRS treatment, you may be able to go home the same day. In the weeks following SRS treatment, side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and headache are treated with medication.