Loading icon
Health Information Center

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Authors:
  • Kelly de la Rocha
Publication Type:

Procedure

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Definition

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a way to treat brain disorders. It uses highly focused beams of radiation to target areas of the brain. It can also be used on other parts of the body such as the spine.

Reasons for Procedure

SRS is used to:

  • Stop cancerous and noncancerous tumors from growing
  • Shrink cancerous and noncancerous tumors
  • Close off arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)—abnormal blood vessels that disrupt blood flow to the brain
  • Treat disorders such as:
Brain Tumor.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Brain Tumorhttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=24012401si1270.jpgBrain TumorNULLjpgBrain TumorNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\si1270.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.22NULL2002-10-01255391Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Headache
  • Temporary swelling at the treatment site
  • Swelling, numbness, bleeding, or tingling around the sites where the head frame rests on the head
  • Skin irritation
  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Lasting harm to the area being treated

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call your doctor if you have any new symptoms or:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge from the pin sites
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicine
  • Lasting nausea or vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Weakness, numbness, or loss of balance
  • Vision problems
  • Seizures

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
  • If you have a pacemaker or any other medical device implanted in your body
  • Previous surgeries or injuries, such as trauma
  • Fasting before the procedure, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure
  • Not using certain products before the procedure, such as hair creams or sprays
  • Tests that need to be done before the procedure

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
  • If you have a pacemaker or any other medical device implanted in your body
  • Previous surgeries or injuries, such as trauma
  • Fasting before the procedure, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure
  • Not using certain products before the procedure, such as hair creams or sprays
  • Tests that need to be done before the procedure

Anesthesia

The doctor will give:

  • A mild sedative—you will feel relaxed
  • Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed

Description of Procedure

There are different types of SRS. They may include:

Gamma Knife

The doctor attaches a frame to the head with special pins. This keeps the head still during treatment. A CT scan and/or MRI will locate the tumor. For an AVM, an angiography may be done to find the abnormal veins. The head frame will then be attached to a helmet full of small holes. Each hole will allow a single ray of radiation to target a specific part of the brain. The doctor will leave the room to control the radiation machine.

Linear accelerator (LINAC)

This treatment uses one large, powerful radiation beam. It is used to treat small and large brain tumors or spinal tumors. The steps are similar to those of the Gamma Knife. Radiation is delivered from different directions. The treatment couch will also be moved.

Robotic Radiosurgery System

This treatment uses a small linear accelerator on top of a robotic arm. It is used to treat tumors and injuries of the brain and spine. A mask will be used instead of a head frame. For a spinal tumor, a foam body cradle will be used instead of a mask. X-rays will be taken before treatment starts. During treatment a robotic arm will move around. It will deliver treatments from different angles.

After Procedure

If treatment required a head frame:

  • The head frame and IV line will be removed.
  • Gauze will be wrapped around the head, or small bandages will be placed at the pin sites.

How Long Will It Take?

About 2 to 4 hours

Will It Hurt?

No, but there may be some pressure from the head frame. Headaches and nausea can happen after treatment. Medicine can help.

Post-procedure Care

You may be observed before going home.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Chidambaram S, Macaluso D, et al. Alopecia following cranial stereotactic radiosurgery: A comprehensive review of the literature. J Clin Neurosci. 2020;80:203-206.
  • Linear accelerator. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/linac.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery. Johns Hopkins website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/stereotactic-radiosurgery.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at:https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/stereotactic.
  • Toxicities of radiation therapy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/toxicities-of-radiation-therapy.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.