Also known as "knifeless" surgery, this technology is used to treat brain tumors using laser-thin beams of high-dose radiation focused precisely on the tumor masses in the brain, avoiding normal brain tissue.

This new technique allows the radiation oncologist to focus precisely several beams of radiation to destroy tumors in the brain. Since the beam is so precise, the radiation oncologist can focus the treatment and spare more normal brain cells than is possible with conventional external beam radiation.

Westchester Center for Stereotactic Radiosurgery

The Westchester Center for Stereotactic Radiosurgery, founded in 1995 at Westchester County Medical Center, is the tri-state area's regional center for this specialized "knifeless" neurosurgical procedure which provides hope to patients suffering from a wide spectrum of neurological disorders and problems.

What is Stereotactic Radiosurgery?

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure which delivers a single focused close of radiation to a small area of the brain. Precise and accurate localization of the treatment protects surrounding brain tissue, dramatically reducing the possibility of neurological complications. Intensity Modulated RadioSurgery

Who Can Benefit from Stereotactic Radiosurgery?

Stereotactic radiosurgery has proven to be effective in the treatment of deep tumors in the brain, such as gliomas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, pituitary adenomas and metastatic tumors, and vascular malformations. Frequently a safer alternative to surgery, it can also be used in addition to surgery for these lesions. Stereotactic radiosurgery has also shown promise in the treatment of functional disorders, including Parkinson's Disease, movement disorders, chronic pain, epilepsy and some psychiatric disorders.

Prior to the procedure, the patient visits the Center for a pre-admission orientation, at which time the procedure is fully explained and presurgical instructions described.

The patient is admitted to Westchester County Medical Center the morning of treatment. The neurosurgeon fits the patient with the stereotactic head frame. Little discomfort is involved in the entire procedure because a local anesthetic is used. The frame is secured to the skull with four pins that penetrate to only two millimeters, or about 1/16 of an inch. For young children, the process is usually performed under general anesthesia.

Once the head frame is in place, radiologic tests are performed. Using a sophisticated computer, members of the Stereotactic Radiosurgery team use information from these detailed images to map and plan the treatment. This critically important treatment planning may take up to several hours to complete. During the interim, the patient rests comfortably in his/her room with family and friends.

The patient is then taken to the Stereotactic Radiosurgery suite within the Department of Radiation Medicine. The room is outfitted with a video system and two-way communication system, allowing the patient to have uninterrupted contact with the treatment team members. For patient comfort, recorded music is also available.

Team members conduct the treatment from the control panel in an adjacent room. The beam of radiation locks on the targeted tissue in the brain and remains fixed on the target for the duration of the treatment, which usually ranges from 20 to 60 minutes. Following treatment, the head frame is removed, light bandages are applied, and the patient returns to his/her room. Most patients do very well and are discharged from the hospital the following day.

What Happens After Treatment?

The procedure does not require the usual convalescence following traditional neurosurgery or radiation therapy, so the patient is able to return to normal daily activities within a few days of the procedure. The benefits of the treatment become noticeable over a period of time, which may extend up to two years.