Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Overview

Stereotactic radiosurgery uses precisely focused radiation to treat tumors and other abnormal growths in the brain. Computers create 3-D images of the brain, and these images guide radiation oncologists and surgeons in aiming radiation at the target area. This technology allows high doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor with minimal exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. No incision is made and general anesthesia is not required for adults. In effect, it is surgery without a scalpel — thus, the name radiosurgery.

Radiosurgery involves the close cooperation among a team of medical experts from neurosurgery, radiation oncology and diagnostic radiology.

Mayo Clinic has considerable experience using radiosurgery: to treat brain tumors, both cancerous and noncancerous; for blood vessel abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformation; and for some types of chronic pain. Tumor type, location and size will dictate whether radiosurgery is the appropriate treatment.

Advantages of Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Treatment is not invasive

No incision is made, and the patient's head is not shaved. General anesthesia is not required for adults.

Complications are reduced

Because there is no incision, the chance of infection or excessive bleeding is minimized. The procedure is more tolerable for patients who are weak or have other health issues such as diabetes or heart problems.

No hospital stay

Radiosurgery lasts one to four hours. Patients can return home the same day and usually resume pretreatment activities the following day.

Procedure saves money and time

Shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and minimal disruptions to the patient's life and work can make this procedure more cost-effective than conventional surgery.

Radiosurgery versus Radiotherapy

Radiosurgery Dose Plan for a Recurrent Glioma

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Radiosurgery is a form of radiotherapy. Both deliver radiation but use different means and doses to minimize the risk of radiation damage to healthy tissue.

Standard radiotherapy delivers small daily doses of radiation in multiple treatment sessions over several weeks. Radiosurgery delivers radiation in single high doses that conform closely to the tumor shape, and fall off sharply at the edge of the tumor. Treatments can typically be done in a single session. For some patients with large tumors, the target is divided into smaller targets, each of which is treated with high doses in separate daily sessions.