Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-surgical radiation therapy used to treat functional abnormalities and small tumors of the brain. It can deliver precisely-targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy, which can help preserve healthy tissue. When SRS is used to treat body tumors, it's called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

History

The concept of stereotactic radiosurgery was first introduced by the Swedish neurosurgeon Lars Leksell in 1951. The initial stereotactic instrument he developed was aimed at the standardization of cerebral anatomical references and was used in conjunction with a radiation source.

Procedure

Stereotactic radiosurgery works by directing multiple beams of high-dose radiation to converge at a specific point. This is typically done using one of three technologies: a modified linear accelerator (LINAC), a CyberKnife, or a Gamma Knife.

Applications

SRS is used to treat a number of conditions, including brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), acoustic neuroma, pituitary tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, and other neurological conditions.

Risks and Complications

Like all medical procedures, SRS carries some risk of complications. These can include fatigue, scalp and hair problems, headache, and neurological symptoms such as seizures.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Neurosurgery
• Oncology

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