Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive, very precise type of radiation therapy used to treat brain tumors, vascular malformations, and other brain abnormalities.Gamma Knife radiosurgeryis widely used form of radiation therapy with over 30,000 patients getting the operation each year. More than 5,800 cases of Gamma Knife radiosurgery have been successfully treated in India.

Gamma knife surgery in India uses 192 focused radiation beams, or “beamlets,” directed by computer planning to converge precisely on the targeted area, shaping around tumors or lesions while protecting healthy tissue in the surrounding area.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is known for its accuracy and effectiveness and is led by a specialist treatment team that includes a radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon, neuroradiologist, radiation therapist, registered nurse, medical physicist, and dosimetrist. It is a one-time treatment that is commonly chosen when previous choices have been ineffective, providing patients with brain problems with a non-invasive alternative.

What conditions are treated using Gamma Knife surgery in India?

When conventional surgery techniques are difficult due to the location of the brain problem or when a patient is deemed unfit for standard surgery, Gamma Knife surgery can be an effective therapy alternative. It can also be used in combination with standard surgery to prevent tumor regrowth. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is far safer than regular neurosurgery and is effective in treating small to medium-sized brain tumors and lesions, as well as functional and vascular abnormalities in the brain. Gamma Knife surgery is used in India to treat a wide range of brain problems, including both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) brain tumors, such as:

• Brain Tumors:Pituitary adenomas, pinealomas, craniopharyngiomas, meningiomas, chordomas, chondrosarcomas, and glial tumors are all examples of malignant and benign tumors.
• Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma): Noncancerous tumors that disrupt the balance and hearing nerves that connect the inner ear to the brain.
• AVMs (Arteriovenous Malformations):Blood vessel tangles in the brain that are not common.
• Tremors:Involuntary shaking is caused by conditions such as essential tremors and Parkinson’s disease.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia:A particular nerve in the face causes chronic facial pain.
• Epilepsy

What happens before the Gamma Knife Surgery in India?

Several essential steps and preparations must be fulfilled receiving Gamma Knife Surgery in India:

Medical Examination: 

• Your neurosurgeon will take a detailed medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination.
• Additional tests to examine your general health may be required.

Inform Your Doctor About: 

• Existing medical issues, such as a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, medicine pump inserted, or nerve stimulator.
• Metal implants, a history of metal damage, a cochlear implant, spinal stabilization hardware, serious lung illness, esophageal reflux, or the inability to rest flat for defined durations.
• Medication allergies or sensitivities, latex, tape, contrast dyes, iodine, or anesthetic agents.

Medication, Eating, and Drinking: 

• Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the operation (this applies only to AVM surgeries).
• On the day of treatment, take your pills in the morning with sips of water.

Hair and clothing preparation:

• The night before the operation, wash your scalp and wear your hair loosely without clips, pins, or bands.
• Wear comfortable, loose attire and slip-on shoes on the day of the surgery. Avoid wearing clothes that must be put on or taken off over your head.

Other precautions include:

• Inform your doctor about your diabetes medication.
• Describe any allergies to shellfish or iodine that may be caused by the specific dyes used during the operation.
• Mention medical devices that have been inserted, such as pacemakers, prosthetic heart valves, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, or stents.

Preparation for the Procedure:

• To guarantee stability during radiation therapy, a lightweight frame will be fitted to your head with four pins.
• Numbing shots will be given at the pin insertion sites.
• Brain imaging, such as CT or MRI images, will be used to identify the tumor or target site.
• Treatment locations, radiation doses, and beam focus will be determined by an individualized planning program.

What happens during the Gamma Knife Surgery in India?

Head Frame Positioning: For the purpose of treatment preparation, an aluminum head frame is attached to the patient’s head.

Anesthesia and pin placement: Local anesthetic injections and pins are used to keep the patient stable during the treatment.

Planning and imaging:

• Imaging scans, such as CT or MRI, are performed to determine the location, size, and shape of the tumor or lesion.
• Contrast dye may be delivered through an IV line for enhanced imaging.
• Radiation delivery is planned by the treatment team based on imaging data.

Treatment session:

• The patient will be connected to the Gamma Knife table.
• Radiation is delivered precisely to the intended region.
• Treatment times range from 30 minutes to three hours.

What happens after the Gamma Knife Surgery in India?

Removal of the Head Frame:

• The external rigid head frame (if utilized) is removed.
• Hydrogen peroxide will be used to clean the pin sites, and antibiotic ointment will be applied.

Symptom Control:

• Medication could be obtained in case of headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
• Non-aspirin pain relievers are used to treat post-procedure discomfort.

Guidelines for Home Care:

• One week of head elevation to minimize swelling at pin sites (if an external head frame is utilized).
• Hair washing is permitted 48 hours after surgery to encourage healing.
• Use of non-aspirin pain relievers for any discomfort.
• The bandages from the pin sites are removed the morning after the procedure.
• Cleaning pin sites with hydrogen peroxide or mild soap and water.

Expectations After the Procedure:

• Minor bleeding or discomfort at the pin sites.
• After the treatment, you will be able to eat and drink.
• Unless otherwise directed, resume usual activity, nutrition, and medications.

Monitoring and Communicating with the Doctor:

• Continuous monitoring for severe headaches, weakness, numbness, visual issues, bleeding, or fluid leaks.
• Contact your doctor right away if you notice any worrying symptoms.

Recovery Timeline:

• Recovery time is reduced when compared to standard surgery.
• The majority of patients are discharged on the same day.
• If no issues emerge, the ability to resume usual activities the next day.

What are the advantages of using Gamma Knife Surgery in India compared to Traditional Surgery?

• Non-Invasive Technique:Because Gamma Knife surgery does not entail incisions or cutting, it does not require general anesthesia.
• Reduced Complications:Gamma Knife surgery reduces the chance of post-surgical problems such as infection and bleeding. Healthy surrounding tissue is not affected.
• Precise Deep Brain Targeting:Gamma Knife surgery can precisely target tumors/lesions deep within the brain that standard surgery may find difficult to reach.
• Capability for Multipoint Treatment:This approach allows for the simultaneous targeting of many tumors or lesions, which is unusual in traditional surgery.
• Minimal Post-Treatment Pain:Patients who have Gamma Knife surgery have little discomfort or pain after the treatment.
• Outpatient Procedure for Rapid Recovery:Gamma Knife surgery is often conducted as an outpatient procedure, with no overnight stay required. Within a few days, patients can resume routine activities.
• Requirement for Limited Rehabilitation:When compared to traditional surgery, Gamma Knife surgery does not require major rehabilitation or physical therapy.
• Combination Treatment Flexibility:Gamma Knife surgery can be combined with various therapy modalities, providing a flexible approach to dealing with difficult cases.

What are the risks of using Gamma Knife Surgery in India?

While Gamma Knife surgery is often considered a low-risk procedure, patients should be aware of the following potential risks and side effects:

• Swelling of the Brain
• Headache
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Numbness/Tingling Sensation on the Scalp
• Hair Loss
• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Late-Onset Side Effects
• Soreness, Swelling, and Scalp Issues
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Loss of Balance
• Vision Problems
• Radiation Exposure
• Pain at Head Frame Pin Insertion Sites

What is the Success Rate of Gamma Knife Surgery in India?

Gamma Knife surgery in India has a high success rate, especially for specific site tumors, reaching up to 85-90%. This non-invasive method is preferred for treating a variety of illnesses because of its precision and effectiveness. The success of Gamma Knife surgery can be attributed to its ability to precisely target tumors while causing minimal damage to adjacent healthy tissue. Patients receiving Gamma Knife treatment in India have excellent outcomes, adding to the procedure’s reputation as a highly successful and dependable intervention in the management of brain diseases.

What is the Gamma Knife Surgery Cost in India?

Gamma Knife Surgery in India normally starts at about US $6,200. However, the overall cost might vary depending on several factors, including your medical history, specific disease, the surgeon chosen, the hospital where you’ll be treated, and the city where the treatment is conducted. Understanding the detailed cost breakdown ensures that patients are well-informed about the financial aspects of Gamma Knife Surgery in India.

Top Hospitals for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in India

Various top hospitals in India provide cutting-edge Gamma Knife Radiosurgery treatments. These hospitals provide cutting-edge equipment and a staff of experienced medical professionals who specialize in neurosurgery and radiation oncology. Patients seeking Gamma Knife treatment in India can benefit from these healthcare experts’ skills in performing accurate and effective radiological treatments. Access to these recognized top hospitals guarantees that people receive world-class treatment for a variety of neurological diseases, enhancing India’s image as a center for advanced Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

• Max Super Specialty Hospital New Delhi, India
• Nanavati Hospital Mumbai, India
• Fortis Hospital Gurgaon, India
• Artemis Hospital Delhi, India
• BLK Super Speciality Hospital New Delhi, India
• Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, India
• Medanta Hospital Gurgaon, India
• Manipal Hospital Bangalore, India
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai, India

Best Doctors for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in India

India is a popular destination for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery because of its highly skilled and experienced neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists. These experts are well-known for their ability to treat difficult neurological diseases with precision and compassion. These experts use cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques to ensure the best outcomes, with a focus on tailored patient care. The best Gamma Knife Radiosurgery doctors in India have a track record of success, earning trust and reputation both nationally and globally. Their dedication to remaining up to date on the most recent advances in neurosurgical innovations puts them as pioneers in providing superior treatment for patients requiring Gamma Knife procedures.

• Sandeep Vaishya – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Puneet Agarwal – Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
• Mohit Bhatt – Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
• Mukul Varma – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Praveen Gupta – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Atma Ram Bansal – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Dinesh Nayak – Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
• Rajiv Anand – BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
• Abhaya Kumar – Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai