Leksell Gamma Knife® consists of a large, heavily shielded
hemisphere containing 201 cobalt-60 sources. The beams of
radiation that come from the cobalt-60 sources are focused on a
single point within the unit, where th procedure takes
place.
A neurosurgeon fits a stereotactic frame on the
patient's head to prevent movement. With the frame in
place, precise coordinate settings are calculated to determine
the exact location of the target. The patient rests on a
special couch that moves into Leksell Gamma Knife, positioning
the patient's head for treatment.
The procedure may take 20 minutes or up to several hours. It
is usually performed with local anesthesia.
Gamma Knife surgery delivers a single, high dose of ionizing
radiation. At the point where all 201 beams intersect at the
same instant, it delivers enough radiation to treat tumors or
malformations of blood vessels. The surrounding tissue receives
very little exposure to radiation.
A variety of helmet sizes allows for different beam
sizes ranging from 4 to 18 millimeters. Complex lesion shapes
can be treated through multiple exposures and by readjusting
the helmet and head position.
The procedure is not painful and there are few side effects.
Over time, the lesion will dissolve or shrink and eventually
disappear, or it will simply stop growing. The time period
varies with the type, size and location of the lesion.
Gamma Knife surgery is more cost
efficient than conventional neurosurgery. Most patients are
discharged the same day; some may require an overnight stay in
the hospital. In addition, patients usually avoid many of the
expenses associated with disability or recovery time that
accompanies conventional surgery.
Gamma Knife surgery also enables surgeons to treat formerly
inoperable lesions and make one-day brain surgery a
reality.
Where to Find Us
Services are provided through Cancer Services at Pitt County
Memorial Hospital.
The Gamma Knife Center is located in a specially designed
building adjacent to the MRI facility at PCMH. For more
information, call the Gamma Knife Center at 252-847-2611. Our
toll-free number is 1-877-847-1201.