Knifeless Surgery - Gamma Knife

Gamma Knife treatment, also known as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or CyberKnife, isn't really a knife or surgery at all but a noninvasive outpatient procedure that uses extremely precise cobalt radiation beams to treat disease. The beams destroy the tissue a doctor would typically remove with a scalpel during an operation.

Technology to Save Healthy Tissue

Often used for brain tumors or other disease in locations too difficult to reach via traditional surgery, Gamma Knife enables the team to find and remove diseased cells without cutting through healthy tissue. Gamma Knife may be combined with other innovative treatments. For example, intraoperative MRI (iMRI) technology may be used in the operating room to help surgeons see and remove as much tumor as possible, followed by the Gamma Knife team, which is now able to better target treatment of the smaller tumor.

In keeping with our reputation for bringing innovative technology to our patients, HCA Virginia is home to the second Gamma Knife Perfexion- in the state. Our Johnston-Willis Hospital is designated as a Gamma Knife host site by the manufacturer, which means others come to us to learn how to use this innovative technologyand we have perfected the science. With more than 2,000 Gamma Knife surgeries completed, our team has the expertise you need when facing a brain tumor or other disease.

How You Benefit

By using radiation beams to destroy tumors and diseased tissue, Gamma Knife may eliminate the need for traditional surgery and incisions and helps preserve healthy tissue. This means less pain, faster recovery and fewer complications. Most patients can return to normal activities within one to two days.

Learn more about Gamma Knife technology, including what to expect and when to call your doctor, at our online health library.

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Contact Us

Call our Consult-a-Nurse team at 804.320.DOCS (3627) to find specialists, make an appointment and learn more about Centers for Surgical Innovation at HCA Virginia.