Gamma Knife Surgery

Gamma Knife Surgery is one of the most popular tumor treatment treatments. Radiation is used in this method to kill tumors without endangering the surrounding healthy tissues. Because it is so little intrusive, this method is very effective.

In India, there are numerous multispecialty hospitals and institutions with a focus on treating cancer that offer gamma knife surgery. The use of blades or scissors is not necessary for this minimally invasive radiosurgery. The recuperation is therefore swift. This is one crucial factor that enables candidates who are not healthy enough to have surgery to undergo Gamma Knife radiosurgery without experiencing discomfort.

In comparison to other countries, Gamma Knife for Brain Tumor Cost in India is extremely reasonable. The success can be attributed in part to the advanced medical equipment used in Indian hospitals and the surgeon’s expertise. Along with these advantages, India’s low cost without lowering clinical standards is a significant contributor to its global popularity.

Gamma Knife Surgery In India

Treatment for brain tumors, vascular malformations, and other anomalies in the brain using the gamma knife involves radiation and computer-guided planning. This technique, despite its name, does not involve any incisions, not even a skin incision.

The Gamma Knife is a device that employs extremely focused gamma ray beams to treat a lesion or tumor. It is mostly utilized in the brain. The gamma radiation beams deliver an extremely powerful dose of radiation to a very small area without the need for an incision. Radiosurgery kills cells, preventing them from proliferating. Over time, a lesion or tumor will get smaller.

Gamma knife radiosurgery is referred to as surgery because the results are comparable to removing a lesion through surgery. With little impact on neighboring healthy tissue, the radiation beams are precisely directed to approach the lesion.

Who Is A Suitable Candidate For Gamma Knife Surgery?

Surgery with a gamma knife can be used to treat:

• Malignant and benign brain tumors
• Tumors inaccessible before/after standard brain surgery
• Tremors such as essential tremors or Parkinson’s disease-related tremors
• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
• Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve condition)
• Brain blood vessel tangles or vascular anomalies

Note: Patients with many brain tumors or high radiation risk may not be ideal candidates.

What Happens Prior To The Gamma Knife Procedure?

Medical Evaluation

• Full medical history and physical exam
• Tests may be required
• Notify if you have:
  • Heart pacemaker
  • Aneurysm clip
  • Implanted pumps/stimulators
  • Metal implants
  • Cochlear implants
  • Severe lung disease
  • GERD
  • Inability to lie flat

Food, Beverage, and Medication

• No food or drink after midnight before surgery (for AVM)
• Morning medications with sips of water
• Bring all medications including inhalers

Procedure

During The Procedure

• You’ll change into a hospital gown
• A head frame is fitted (with 4 anesthetic injections)
• IV line inserted for contrast dye and possible sedatives
• CT or MRI scans taken with head frame in place
• A 3D image is created for planning
• Treatment area, dose, and radiation plan defined
• Head frame fixed to the treatment table
• Table moves into Gamma Knife device
• Staff monitors you via cameras/intercom
• Treatment usually lasts 30–90 minutes (may take up to 4 hours)
• Afterward, head frame and IV are removed

After Procedure

• Nurses clean pin sites and apply antibiotic ointment
• Monitored in recovery for at least 30 minutes
• Usually discharged same day
• Shampoo hair after 48 hours
• Pin sites must be kept clean and treated until healed

Complications of the Procedure

• Brain swelling: headache, nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue for a few weeks
• Scalp irritation or sensitivity
• Temporary hair loss
• Numbness
• Seizures
• Loss of balance
• Vision issues
• Radiation during pregnancy may cause birth defects

Factors That Can Affect Gamma Knife Surgery Cost in India

• Patient condition and disease complexity
• Medication costs
• Duration of treatment
• Geographical location
• Hospitalization expenses
• Government healthcare subsidies
• Medical tourism packages
• Hospital reputation and infrastructure
• Surgeon expertise and experience
• Type and frequency of diagnostic tests
• Treatment modality

India provides affordable Gamma Knife treatment with international-standard hospitals and up to 30–40% cost savings for international patients.

How to Choose a Hospital for Gamma Knife for Brain Tumor in India

• Quality certificates and accreditations
• Location of hospital and transport access
• Experienced surgical team
• Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
• International patient services

How Can Global Care India Help

Global Care India helps patients find trusted doctors, hospitals, and treatment plans. Services include:

• Budget-friendly treatment strategy
• Travel authorizations
• Medical visas
• Full treatment coordination

Top Neurosurgeons in India

• Dr. Sandeep Vaishya
• Dr. Rana Patir
• Dr. Nigel P Symss
• Dr. Raghunathan N
• Dr. K. Sridhar
• Dr. Paresh K. Doshi
• Dr. Aditya Gupta
• Dr. Bipin Walia
• Dr. Sudhir Tyagi

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are the Advantages of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
A: It’s noninvasive, effective for complex brain conditions, has minimal recovery time, and protects healthy tissue.

Q: How Does Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Work?
A: Around 200 radiation beams focus on the lesion. It damages DNA, preventing tumor growth.

Q: Is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Safe?
A: Yes, it avoids open-skull surgery and long hospital stays.

Q: Why Is Gamma Knife Called Surgery?
A: Because it provides surgical-level results through radiation alone.

Q: What Are Warning Signs After the Procedure?
A:

• Unrelieved severe headache
• Worsening numbness, vision issues
• Bleeding or discharge at pin sites
• Seizures

Q: What Are the Results Observed After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
A: Tumor shrinkage, prevention of regrowth, AVMs thicken/close, trigeminal neuralgia pain blocked.

Q: What Are the Types of Radiosurgery?
A:

• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
• Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Systems
• Proton Beam Therapy (Cyclotron)

Q: What Is the Success Rate of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
A: For small lesions, success rates range between 70–90%.