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 from many sources at the target area. The 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.

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 sometimes for chronic pain. Tumor type, location and size will dictate whether radiosurgery is the appropriate treatment. Currently, Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville offer different types of stereotactic radiosurgery.

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 virtually eliminated. 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 comprises one procedure lasting 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

A radiosurgery dose plan for a recurrent glioma. Dose matches the shape of the tumor.

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

Radiotherapy delivers low doses of radiation in multiple treatment sessions. Radiosurgery delivers radiation in high doses that conform closedly 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 small targets, each of which is treated with high doses in separate sessions.