What is radiosurgery?
Radiosurgery is a form of high-precision radiation therapy in which thin beams of radiation are delivered to the patient. Initially developed to treat small tumors and brain abnormalities, it is now used to treat other tumors in the body and is now called stereotactic radiotherapy.
This is a type of radiotherapy that delivers much higher doses to the affected region, minimizing the doses received by the surrounding healthy tissue. The aim is to administer the appropriate dose to destroy the tumor and achieve maximum localized control.
Why is it performed?
Radiosurgery is focused on tumors located in abnormal areas, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Thus, it is recommended for tumors
- Difficult to access.
- Located near vital organs.
- Subject to movement within the body.
What does it consist of?
There are different types of radiosurgery, although the most common is gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery, which is performed only for tumors and other problems of the head.
Prior to treatment, the physician will fit the patient with a head frame on the scalp by means of four pins or anchors that go through the skin and reach the surface of the skull.
Previously the doctor will have anesthetized the area where the anchors will go. The purpose of the frame is to hold the head steady during treatment, as well as to ensure that the rays go to a specific place. Once the frame is fixed, imaging studies will be performed:
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance.
- Angiography.
These will locate exactly the tumor, its size and shape. It is important to emphasize that the treatment does not cause pain to the patient. The head frame is glued to a holed helmet, through which the rays are emitted.
Preparation for radiosurgery
The day before the procedure, it is recommended not to use any cream or hair products and not to eat or drink anything after midnight. On the day of the procedure itself, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Post-procedure care
Normally the patient returns home the same day of the treatment, but it is necessary to be accompanied. Also, the return to daily activities is usually the next day if there are no side effects or complications. In that case the doctor will recommend that the patient stay in the hospital.