Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center
Gamma Knife® Radiosurgery is a very precise and unique therapy designed to treat brain tumors and other anomalies in the brain with gamma radiation. Since acquiring Houston’s first Gamma Knife in 1993, the Mischer Neuroscience Institute at Memorial Hermann has successfully treated more than 2100 patients. Leksell Gamma Knife® does not involve incisions in your head. Instead, very precisely focused beams of radiation are directed to areas within the brain that require treatment, virtually eliminating potential surgical risks. The treatment procedure is simple, safe, accurate, and effective.
What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a unique treatment method for a variety of neurological diseases and conditions. The Leksell Gamma Knife is an extraordinary instrument that can treat brain tumors and other anomalies in the brain without surgical incisions or the usual risks associated with conventional brain surgery. Using sophisticated computer technology, it precisely directs gamma rays from hundreds of tiny radioactive cobalt pellets onto small tumors, blood vessel abnormalities, or problematic nerves in the brain. This instrument treats the diseased area without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
Unlike traditional brain surgery, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery does not involve any incisions, yet achieves results comparable to brain microsurgery without surgical risks, including infection, blood loss and a long recovery time. Patients are treated within one session and can normally return home the same day. Patients do not have their heads shaved for radiosurgery, and adults usually do not require general anesthesia.
Our multi-disciplinary team consists of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and dedicated nurse coordinators. Candidates for Gamma Knife treatment are assessed by both a neurosurgeon and a radiation oncologist prior to scheduling the procedures. Before treatment, a member of this team will educate you about the entire procedure. Our office staff will work with your insurance carrier to obtain the proper authorizations for the treatment.
For more information, contact the Gamma Knife Program at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical
Center at 713.704.7100.