Stereotactic radiosurgery is a well-established treatment for many types of brain tumors.  Pencil- thin beams of radiation are delivered through rotating arcs at different angles around the head.  Stereotactic radiosurgery delivers a very high dose of radiaton directly to the tumor, while minimizing exposure to surrounding normal brain tissue.

The word “stereotactic” describes the process used to locate a single point in three dimensions.  Radiosurgery is the process that delivers a dose of radiation to a stereotactically localized point.  Radiation is delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non invasive procedure performed on a one-day, outpatient basis.  It does not require general anesthesia or conventional surgery.  Certain conditions may require a one-night stay following the procedure for observation.

What To Expect On Treatment Day

Stereotactic radiosurgey is scheduled after patients are evaluated by their referring doctor and a member of their radiosurgery team.  The procedure can take a full day.

Procedure Steps

1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will be conducted before radiosurgery.
2. On the day of radiosurgery, after gentle sedation, a head frame is placed on the patient, who then is taken to radiology for a CT scan and, if needed, cerebral angiogram.
3. After the CT scan, the patient rests while the radiosurgery team creates a customized plan and sets up equipment.  The patient stays in a comfortable room to relax with family and friends, under the supervision of our experienced nursing staff.
4. Once the radiosurgical team is prepared, treatment is delivered.  The patient feels nothing as radiation treats the brain tumor.
5. The head frame is removed, and patient goes home.

Side Effects

In general, patients experience minimal side effects from stereotactic radiosurgery treatment.  Most patients who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery return home the same day and many go to work the next day.  All side effects are thoroughy discussed with patients during the doctor consultation before the scheduled treatment day.  Factors that could determine the likelihood of side effects include age, diagnosis, size and location of the lesion in the brain, prior treatment, other medical problem and radiation dose.

Who is a candidate?

Patients who benefit from stereotactic radiosurgery include those with benign or malignant brain tumors, whether they are primary tumors (tumors originating in the brain) or metastatic tumors (tumors originating elsewhere in the body and spreading to the brain).  In addition, certain blood vessel abnormalities (artereovenous malformations) can be treated with this technique.  Your doctor or oncologist can make a referral to determine if you meet the criteria for treatment.

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