Learn about Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a highly advanced, non-invasive neurosurgical procedure that uses precisely focused beams of gamma radiation to treat abnormalities in the brain. It is not a knife or traditional surgery, but rather a form of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The procedure delivers a high dose of radiation to a specific, targeted area with extreme accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue. It is commonly used for brain tumors (both benign and malignant), arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and trigeminal neuralgia. Performed by a specialized neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist team, it typically requires no incisions, involves minimal discomfort, and allows for a quicker recovery compared to open brain surgery.

Key Highlights

    Non-Invasive: No surgical incisions or opening of the skull (craniotomy).Extreme Precision: Targets lesions with sub-millimeter accuracy, sparing healthy tissue.Minimal Discomfort: Performed under local anesthesia; patients are typically awake.listrongShort Hospital Stay:/strong Usually an outpatient procedure or requires only a 1-day stay./lilistrongRapid Recovery:/strong Most patients resume normal activities within a few days./lilistrongProven Efficacy:/strong High success rates for controlling tumors and vascular malformations./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Benign Brain Tumors (e.g., Acoustic Neuroma/Vestibular Schwannoma, Meningioma, Pituitary Adenoma).
  • Malignant Brain Tumors (e.g., Metastatic brain tumors, Gliomas).
  • Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) of the brain.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia (severe facial pain) unresponsive to medication.
  • Certain types of Epilepsy (focal seizures) originating from a well-defined area.
  • Some functional disorders like Parkinson's disease tremor (in specific cases).

How to prepare

  • Consultation & Imaging: Detailed consultation with the neurosurgeon and team. High-resolution MRI and/or CT scans are performed for precise treatment planning.
  • Frame Placement: On the day of the procedure, a lightweight stereotactic head frame is attached to the skull under local anesthesia to ensure absolute accuracy.
  • Medical Review: Review of medications; some (like blood thinners) may need to be paused.
  • Fasting: Typically, fasting for a few hours before the procedure is advised.
  • Comfort: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and arrange for transportation home.

Risks & possible complications

  • Swelling (Edema): Temporary swelling of the treated brain area, which may cause headaches or neurological symptoms, often managed with medication.
  • Radiation Necrosis: Rarely, treated tissue may break down, sometimes requiring additional treatment.
  • Hair Loss: Possible temporary, localized hair loss at the treatment entry points.
  • Fatigue: Common but temporary side effect following the procedure.
  • Neurological Changes: Small risk of new or worsening neurological deficits related to the treatment area.
  • Delayed Effects: Radiation effects can continue to develop over several months.
  • Failure to Control: The lesion may not shrink or stop growing as intended.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate Post-Procedure: The head frame is removed. Patients are monitored for a few hours for any immediate reactions.
  • At Home: Rest is recommended for 1-2 days. Mild headache or fatigue is common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers (as advised by the doctor).
  • Activity: Most patients can return to light, normal activities within a day or two. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a week.
  • Follow-Up: Crucial follow-up MRI scans are scheduled (e.g., at 3, 6, and 12 months) to monitor the treatment's effect.
  • Symptom Monitoring: Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms like severe headaches, seizures, or weakness to their doctor immediately.
  • Long-Term: The full effect of the radiation and tumor shrinkage/control occurs gradually over weeks to months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for normal activity; full effect observed over 3-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering gamma knife radiosurgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gamma knife radiosurgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 2,719 – USD 5,438 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 1-3 days for normal activity; full effect observed over 3-12 months Know More
Turkey USD 20,131 – USD 40,263 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 1-3 days for normal activity; full effect observed over 3-12 months Know More

Top hospitals for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform gamma knife radiosurgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Patra
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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