Physician Resources

Gamma Knife is a primary alternative to conventional neurosurgery and radiation therapy for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) as well as benign and malignant tumors. 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. The technique is a potent adjunct to other treatments: surgery for recurrent and partially resected tumors, endovascular embolism for large AVMs and radiation therapy for malignant tumors.

Gamma Knife therapy avoids many risks associated with open-brain surgery. Patients experience almost no pain and typically tolerate the procedure with local anesthesia. Side effects are minimal. The lesion will stop growing, dissolve or shrink gradually. The size and nature of the lesion affect the response and rate of recovery.

Most patients are discharged the day of treatment; some may require an overnight stay. Shorter hospital stays and less invasive surgery make Gamma Knife a more cost-effective option than conventional neurosurgery.

Indications for Gamma Knife Therapy
Patients undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery will be evaluated by specialists including neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists. The team, which includes medical physicists and nurses trained as Gamma Knife specialists, will work with the patient throughout the day of treatment. Diagnoses that indicate Gamma Knife therapy include:

• Meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas and other benign tumors
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Primary or recurrent malignant brain tumors including astrocytomas and oligodedrogliomas
• Brain metastases
• Intracranial tumors such as nasopharyngeal carcinomas and ocular melanomas

Referrals
To refer a patient for a Gamma Knife consultation, call the Gamma Knife office at 252-847-2611 or toll-free, 1-877-847-1201. You may also call ReferDirect, the 24-hour physician referral line at PCMH, at 1-800-816-PCMH (7264).