Seoul National University Hospital Gamma Knife Center
Seoul National University Hospital Gamma Knife Center
“Brain disease―discharged immediately upon surgery”
The diseases encountered in Neurosurgical Departments include many critical ailments such as brain tumors or cerebral vascular disease. Various high technologies introduced in Neurosurgical Departments not only provide treatment for such diseases but also allow patients to maintain their quality of life by minimizing the side effects of treatment. Radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife represents these technologies.
1. Equipment in holding: Gamma Knife Perfexion
Gamma Knife Perfexion provides safe and convenient treatment of brain tumors and cerebral vascular disease without the use of a blade. Because Gamma Knife operation does not involve loss or transfusion of blood, it eliminates related side effects of infection, brain tissue damage, and scars; the equipment also does not require general anesthesia, eliminating its side effects and complications. Introduced for the first time in Korea, the Patient Placement Systems (PPS) controls the position of the patient during surgery in 0.1mm units.
2. Advantages of Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife operation involves 1~3 hours of operation, after which patients are discharged the following day with the ability to resume normal activities and return to everyday life. Because the cranium is not incised, the operation does not involve loss or transfusion of blood. The operation takes place under local anesthesia, allowing patients to be treated under steadiness of mind and body without pain or fear. The success rate of treatment is very high at 90~95%. The occurrence of complications after operation, such as brain edema, loss of blood, infection, as well as the experience of pain, wounds, or scars after operation are rare; accordingly, the operation improves the quality of life of patients and their guardians.
3. From Hospitalization to Discharge
① Day 1 of Hospitalization: Admission to the hospital on the afternoon before operation
② Day 2 of Hospitalization: Operation
07:30~08:00 Intravenous injection and transfer to the Gamma Knife Center
08:00~09:00 Local anesthesia at the Gamma Knife Center and installation of frame over patient’s head
09:00~10:00 Transfer to the Department of Diagnostic Radiology’s examination room for required testing
10:00~ Return to Gamma Knife Center and rest (Physicians develop treatment plans during patient’s rest)
11:00~12:00 Helmet for the targeting of radiation is fixed to operation equipment and gamma-ray operation coordinates are aligned. Operation may require 30 minutes to several hours depending on the patient.
12:00~ Rest in the hospital room and afterwards discharged to resume everyday life