Gamma knife radiosurgery uses focused radiation to treat pituitary and brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and acoustic neuromas. This minimally invasive procedure does not use a knife or scalpel.
General anesthesia prevents any pain during the procedure. You can expect your child to have one overnight stay in the hospital.
The effects of treatment will occur over time — a period of weeks or months. We may check your child's progress with follow-up MRI, CT or angiography images.
Gamma Knife vs. Traditional Surgery
Gamma knife surgery is an alternative treatment option that can avoid the risks of traditional brain surgery. Benefits include:
- Short treatment time
- Shorter hospital stays
- Shorter rehabilitation time
- Little to no damage to healthy brain tissue
- Fewer surgical complications, like hemorrhage, infection and cerebral spinal fluid leak
- No other physical trauma and disruption of normal brain function
Our expert providers, which include neurosurgeons with experience treating your child's specific condition using a gamma knife procedure, partner with you to decide if a gamma knife procedure is right for your child.
At UVA, we've treated more than 7,000 patients from around the world since 1989. Our reputation and high level of experience offers your child the best chance for successful results.
Your child can receive safe, effective treatment in a single session at our world-class Gamma Knife Center.