Radiosurgery is a medical procedure that allows for treatment of tumors (both malignant and benign) through non-invasive measures.
About Radiosurgery:
Radiosurgery is completed by a radiation oncologist. Highly sophisticated and precise medical instruments maximize the results of the procedure. Complex medical instruments are used for the procedure: stereotactic devices, linear accelerators, laser beams, the gamma knife and computers. The radiation oncologist delivers highly precise irradiation to the targeted areas for the procedure. Surrounding areas are spared by multiple beams directed at the lesion.
Preparation for Radiosurgery:
Any surgical procedure can result in huge amounts of stress. To de-stress your situation make sure to plan ahead. Determine who will be driving you to and from the hospital on both the planning day and the treatment day.
Recovery From Radiosurgery:
Patients can complete radiosurgery treatment within a one to five day period. The traditional treatment, craniotomy, requires an average hospital stay of 15 days. Craniotomy is a conventional form of neurosurgery requiring the surgeon to open the skull.
On top of being a less invasive procedure radiosurgery is also more cost effective. The procedure also carries a far lower risk for fatal complications as well as general post-surgical complications. Recovery time that is required is minimal. In some instances patients are able to return to their day to day activities the next day after their radiosurgery treatment. Some patients may see a little bit of bleeding in response to the removal of the pins. Both pressure and gauze should be applied in order to keep the area clean and decrease the bleeding. It's possible that a staple or stitch may be required. Headaches or nausea may occur. A period of 1 to 2 days should be set aside during which the patient will be able to take it easy.