Minimized Health Risks
Since the Gamma Knife does not require an incision, and in most cases is used with only mild sedation and a local anesthetic, the risks of infections and adverse reactions to general anesthesia are eliminated. Patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery due to age or medical conditions, and children can be treated with the Gamma Knife. Additionally, there are no side effects such as hair loss, scaring or disfigurement.
Shorter Hospitalization, Lowered Costs
Patients can be treated and discharged the same day or within 24 hours after Gamma Knife treatment, eliminating a lengthy hospital stay. Return to work, school and pre-surgery lifestyle can occur the very next day. This results in a significant cost savings over traditional surgery and an improved sense of well being for the patient.
Team Approach
Gamma Knife radiosurgery requires the collaborative efforts from a team of specialists including neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and radiation physicists. Using the latest in computer workstation technology and a full set of advanced software tools, treatment planning is efficiently accomplished for both simple and complex cases.
The special computer-assisted instruments utilize Computerized tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and/or angiography to produce three-dimensional views of the lesion and the surrounding brain structures. Using these images, the Gamma Knife team works together to develop a treatment program tailored for each patient that precisely conforms to the exact three-dimensional contour of the lesion treated while sparing important adjacent surrounding normal structures.
Advantages
Non-invasive procedure
Single treatment session
Precise mechanical accuracy of .3mm
Decreased risk: avoids risks and complications of traditional surgery
Minimal hospital stay: usually performed in an outpatient treatment session; patient can resume normal activities within days of procedure
Reduced costs due to post-surgical complications; no expenses for disability and convalescence
Reimbursement by most insurance payors
To make an appointment for a consultation
call the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Center at: 501/603-1800. Or Call the UAMS Access Center at: 501/686-8000, Or E-mail:baxterrhoadeskarenl@uams.edu
