[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/gamma-knife-vs-radiation-surgical-treatments-mm13\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/gamma-knife-vs-radiation-surgical-treatments-mm13\/","headline":"Why Choose Gamma Knife Over Radiation Therapy and Surgery?","name":"Why Choose Gamma Knife Over Radiation Therapy and Surgery?","description":"Gamma Knife\u00ae radiosurgery appeals to patients who prefer a less-invasive procedure or who may not be a candidate for traditional surgery. Read more to compare treatment options.","datePublished":"2016-02-27","dateModified":"2024-07-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","name":"Neurosurgery","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/neurosurgery-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/neurosurgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/why-choose-gamma-knife-mm.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/why-choose-gamma-knife-mm.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/gamma-knife-vs-radiation-surgical-treatments-mm13\/","about":["Cancer Care","Neurosurgery and Brain Health"],"wordCount":427,"keywords":["gamma knife technology","medical mondays","radiation","radiation therapy","surgery","surgical oncology","traditional treatments","tumor"],"articleBody":"For many conditions, you have\u00a0more than one treatment option\u00a0to relieve your symptoms. It\u2019s important to discuss the risks and benefits of each option with your doctor to determine which is best for you.\u00a0Gamma Knife\u00ae radiosurgery\u00a0appeals to people seeking a short duration of treatment and a less-invasive procedure associated with minimal complications, as well as anyone who may not be a candidate for traditional open surgery.Duration of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery TreatmentGamma Knife radiosurgery is typically a one-time procedure, where many weak beams of radiation meet to concentrate radiation on the tumor or lesion. However, the results are not immediate; they develop over a period of months as the cells die and are unable to replicate. Because it is non-invasive and painless, patients are able to return to their normal activities within a day . Unlike Gamma Knife radiosurgery, traditional radiation therapy takes place over multiple sessions that can span\u00a0weeks or months.Invasive vs. Noninvasive Treatment OptionsTraditional surgery requires:General anesthesiaAn incisionA craniotomy (removal of the skull)Removal of the tumorClosure of the surgical siteThe risk of infection, bleeding, stroke, paralysis, pain, and other complications from anesthesia are always present with traditional surgery. Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. In traditional surgery, the tumor or problem is removed, allowing for more immediate results. However, some people are not able to have surgery because of their age or health issues that make it too risky for them.Patients undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery receive only local anesthetic. There are no incisions and few risks. The patient is awake throughout the procedure and does not experience any pain, though there is a possibility of developing a headache following the procedure. Because the procedure is non-invasive and has few side effects, patients typically resume normal activities quickly the next day and can go back to work. The results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery occur over time, rather than immediately, as with traditional surgery.Area of TreatmentTraditional surgery and other types of stereotactic radiosurgery can be performed anywhere on the body. The Gamma Knife is designed specifically to treat problems in the brain and skull-baseAs with all medical procedures, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your physician. You may call us at the Center for Image-Guided Neurosurgery at UPMC at 1-412-647-3685 to ask questions, or to schedule an appointment.\u00a0Learn more about the conditions we treat with Gamma Knife technology.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 27, 2016, and was last reviewed on July 31, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"02","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/02\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Why Choose Gamma Knife Over Radiation Therapy and Surgery?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/02\/gamma-knife-vs-radiation-surgical-treatments-mm13\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]