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Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a computer-guided therapy that is performed by highly trained doctors, and delivers targeted radiation to a specific location of the brain. This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, requires no incisions, and is nearly painless.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is performed for the most common type of brain metastes, which afflicts nearly one-quarter of cancer patients. Other conditions that Gamma Knife Radiosurgery treats are primary and benign brain tumors, trigeminal and arteriovenous malformations.
Dr. Moza, a Westlake Village neurosurgeon, performs this procedure at Los Robles Hospital. For some patients, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery may offer some advantages versus the conventional neurosurgery. Some of these advantages are:
- This is a minimally invasive procedure with no incision.
- This procedure offers an option for some tumors that are located deep within the brain that cannot be reached safely by conventional neurosurgerical procedures.
- This is considered an outpatient procedure, and rarely requires any overnight stay in the hospital.
- It is considered a safe and effective treatment with a low rate for complications.
- It offers a lower risk than the conventional neurosurgery.
- There is little or no post-treatment discomfort or pain. However, this can depend on patient to patient.
- The patient can have a rapid return to his/her normal daily activities or routine, without the need for physical therapy treatment or rehabilitation follow-up.
- This procedure is also covered by most insurance companies and Medicare. Please call our office for further information.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
As with any surgery, risks do exist with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. These risk concerns you can discuss with Dr. Moza at your visit, he will take the time to discuss and explain them to you. You may experience the following:
- Slight discomfort, headache or pain the day of or the day after your radiosurgery. You may take Non-aspirin pain medications, such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Advil. However, discuss this with Dr. Moza. He will recommend what to take based on your level of discomfort.
- It is recommended that the area around the head frame pin sites are kept thoroughly clean following your procedure to prevent the possibility of infection. Again, any concerns you may have, you may discuss with Dr. Moza.
- There is a slight risk of brain swelling following your procedure.
- If you experience any nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, visual changes, difficulty speaking, seizures or any other symptoms that are unusual for you, please call our office immediately or go to your nearest hospital or dial 911.