The addition of Leksell Gamma Knife® technology at
University Health Systems offers new hope for patients with
brain lesions that were once considered inoperable. The use of Gamma Knife alleviates much of the pain,
scarring and long recovery time associated with conventional
open-brain surgery.
Gamma Knife gives surgeons the ability to treat abnormalities
in the brain effectively without picking up a scalpel. Through
stereotactic radiosurgery, physicians can ablate or destroy
intracranial lesions by focusing multiple gamma rays on a
precisely defined target. The technique, which has been
perfected over the past two decades, carries little risk of
surgical complications. Because there is no incision in the
scalp or skull, there is usually no need for general
anesthesia. In most cases, patients experience little pain and
are back on their feet within hours. Most people return to
their normal routines within 24 hours.
Gamma Knife is a primary alternative to conventional
neurosurgery and radiation therapy for abnormal masses of blood
vessels called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that develop
in the brain as well as benign and malignant tumors. It is also
an effective treatment for facial pain caused by trigeminal
neuralgia. The non-invasive Gamma Knife procedure is especially
useful for patients who are not good candidates for standard
surgical techniques because of illness or advanced age. In many
cases, the location or nature of the lesion makes Gamma Knife
the only feasible treatment. The technique can also be used as
an additional therapy when surgery and other treatments are not
completely successful.
Where to Find Us
Gamma Knife services are available at Pitt County Memorial
Hospital in a specially designed building adjacent to the MRI
facility. For more information, call 252-847-2611. Our
toll-free number is 1-877-847-1201.
Referrals
To refer a patient for a Gamma Knife consultation, call
252-847-2611. Or you may call ReferDirect, the
24-hour physician referral line at PCMH at 1-800-816-PCMH
(7264).