Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gamma Knife?
The Gamma Knife is not a knife, but a sophisticated technology that can replace the surgeon's scalpel with a single, high dose of gamma radiation. It consists of a lightweight head frame; a helmet called a collimator, and the radiation unit itself.

Who can benefit from the surgery?
The treatment can benefit patients with:

• Malignant or benign brain tumors
• Acoustic Neuromas
• Pituitary tumors
• Meningiomas
• Abnormal blood vessels in the brain (arteriovenous malformations)
• Parkinson's disease
• Trigeminal neuralgia
  

How does it work?
Through advanced imaging and three-dimensional planning techniques, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery delivers multiple, very narrow beams of gamma radiation to small targets inside the brain. It does so by sending radiation beams through 201 holes in a device known as a collimator helmet. Only at the point where all 201 beams converge at a single, finely focused point is enough radiation delivered to treat the diseased tissue while nearby healthy tissue is spared.

What is the advantage to the patient?
The Radiosurgery is non-invasive. There is no incision or surgery. There is a short recovery time. Procedures require approximately 10-12 hours for the treatment and recovery, frequently involving an overnight stay. The procedure is extremely precise. The radiation is focused on the "bad tissue" and spares surrounding "good tissue." There is minimal risk to the patient of post-treatment complications. It allows previously untreatable conditions to be successfully treated. There is a high cure rate. It is painless, and patients can return to regular daily living generally within a couple of days.

Is it safe?
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is unique because no surgical incision is performed to "expose" the lesion. Thus, the risk of surgical complication is greatly reduced. Patients are routinely administered a mild sedative, eliminating the side effects of general anesthesia.

Is it cost effective?
Cost studies have shown that when compared to conventional neurosurgery, the Gamma Knife is much less expensive. It eliminates lengthy post-surgical hospital stays and expensive medication. In addition, there are virtually no post-surgical disability and convalescent costs with this procedure.

How unique is it?
The technology has been around for about 25 years, but widespread acceptance and use of the Gamma Knife has occurred mainly in the past 15 years. At the end of 2003, there were only 179 units in operation worldwide. Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield has one of only three units in Wisconsin and is the only site in the state with the latest generation Model C Gamma Knife, which offers the most precise treatments because of its new automated positioning feature. Even though it is unique, it is not experimental. More than 229,000 procedures have been performed worldwide as of 2003.

Where can I get more information?
Call Radiation/Oncology at 1-877-GAMMAWI (1-877-426-6294) or (715) 387-7637. Ask for Deb Walsh or Joan Priem. You can also email us at:

sjhweb@stjosephs-marshfield.org