Gamma Knife treatment for health professionals
The Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland located at Princess Alexandra Hospital treats the following conditions:
- metastatic tumours
- acoustic neuroma
- meningiomas
- pituitary and parasellar tumours
- small to medium intracranial ateriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- trigeminal neuralgia and other neurological conditions
- glomus tumours
- gliomas
- other selected benign and malignant conditions.
Find out how to refer a patient to the Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland.
Visit Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland to access Gamma Knife treatment information for patients and other consumers.
About the treatment
Before treatment
The doctor explains the entire procedure to the patient. Gamma Knife treatment does not require cutting or shaving the patient’s hair.
Attaching the head frame
The head frame is a key component in Gamma Knife, which enables the doctor to accurately pinpoint the target to be treated in the patient’s brain. The lightweight frame is attached to the patient’s head with four pins. This prevents the patient from moving during imaging and treatment procedures. Local anaesthetic is applied where the pins are attached.
Using imaging to measure target
After the head frame is in place, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used to determine the target’s exact size, shape and position in the brain.
Planning treatment delivery
The treatment team uses imaging to develop a precise and accurate treatment plan. Each treatment plan is unique and every patient’s plan is individually designed to address the specific medical condition. The doctor and other clinicians in radiation oncology plan the treatment on the computer and calculate how to deliver treatment.
Treating the patient
The patient lies on the treatment couch with the head frame attached to the Gamma Knife. The patient is awake during the procedure and can verbally communicate with the treatment team. The couch moves into the circular dome where treatment lasts from a few minutes to more than an hour depending on the size of the treatment target. The team monitors the patient throughout treatment.
Assessing the patient after treatment
The head frame is removed. Some patients experience a mild headache or temporary minor swelling where the frame was attached. Doctors determine if any additional hospital stay is required or if the patient can go home and when they can return to normal routines.
Follow-up appointments and discharge
Details of follow-up appointments are provided to the patient during discharge. The details of these appointments depend on the condition being treated.
Telehealth service
Princess Alexandra Hospital and The University of Queensland's Centre of Online Health (COH) have developed the PAH Telehealth Centre, a sophisticated and purpose-built facility equipped with state-of-the-art telemedicine consultation rooms for clinical consultations. The facility supports a broad range of specialties to provide telehealth services that are of a high standard, appropriate, economical and sustainable.