The Leksell Gamma Knife at UAB offers patients with certain disorders a safe, effective alternative to conventional neurosurgery. The highly advanced technology allows UAB specialists to treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), benign and malignant brain tumors, and some functional brain disorders without an incision—and without damaging healthy tissue. From 1995 to 2005, UAB physicians treated more than 2,500 patients with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and each year the Gamma Knife benefits over 30,000 patients worldwide.

UAB offers the Gamma Knife as part of a Neurosurgery and Radiation oncology treatment programs recognized for comprehensive care, innovative research, expert specialists, and advanced technology. U.S. News & World Report has ranked UAB’s neurosurgery program among America’s best.

Because the procedure requires no incision, it is bloodless and carries few of the risks of traditional open surgery. Most patients are treated in one session and can return home soon after the procedure.

Before Treatment
A neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist will determine if a lesion is suitable for Gamma Knife treatment. The type, size, and location of the lesion may mean that open surgery is a better option for many patients.

Each patient meets with a specialist who will explain the entire procedure. The specialist belongs to the Radiosurgery team that conducts the surgery and provides care. The team usually consists of the neurosurgeon, the radiation oncologist, and a radiation physicist. As part of the UAB Health System, these specialists also have instant access to resources and expertise in more than 30 fields of medicine if the need should arise.

The patient is then fitted with a stereotactic head frame. The lightweight frame keeps the head still during the procedure and ensures that the radiation hits the precise target in the brain. Local anesthetic is used where the frame fits to the head. The patient does not have to cut or shave hair.

Imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or angiography, is done to determine the exact size, shape, and position of the target in the brain. A coordinate box is placed on the head frame during imaging to provide reference points for images.

Next, the specialist team develops a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs and condition. The plan identifies the precise target in the brain for the radiation and calculates how the radiosurgery should be performed.

During Radiosurgery
Gamma Knife surgery itself is silent and painless. The patient is awake during treatment and is able to communicate with specialists and nurses through an audio/video connection.

The patient lies on a couch, with the head frame attached to a metal helmet. When treatment begins, the couch moves into a dome that holds and aims the radiation.

The actual treatment lasts from one to three hours, depending on the target’s size and shape. The specialist team monitors each patient constantly throughout the procedure. The patient should expect to be at the Gamma Knife facility the entire day.

Most patients are able to return home immediately. Even if patients stay in the hospital overnight for observation, most can return to normal routines in a day or two.

The effects of radiation treatment occur over time, usually a period of weeks or months. Each patient’s physician will assess his or her progress, which may involve follow-up MRI, CT, or angiography imaging.

The UAB Gamma Knife is at UAB Highlands, located in the Medical Center District at 1201 11th Ave. South.