Stereotactic Surgery Complications: All You Need to Know

Overview

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a treatment that uses high-dose radiation therapy to treat certain tumors at the surgically inaccessible sites of your body—this aids in precisely delivering radiation therapy to the brain, spine, lungs, neck, and liver. However, every procedure has its own set of risks and complications. With the help of our expert radiologists, we have here discussed the same as well as some brief details of the procedure.

Understanding the procedure: stereotactic radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) does not require an incision or opening; instead, X-ray beams are carefully aimed at abnormal tissues through the skin from multiple directions.

Radiosurgery functions similarly to other types of therapeutic radiology in that X-ray beams distort or destroy the DNA of cells in abnormal areas, rendering them unable to reproduce and grow. The abnormal tissue becomes inactive and gradually shrinks with optimal treatment.

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Advantages of SRS over other surgical procedures:

The surgical precision of this technique is especially useful in treating small or difficult-to-reach abnormalities in the brain and spine.

This radiosurgery technique targets the focus of radiation, causes less damage to healthy surrounding tissues and lowers the risk of infection, making it safer for those who have recently had surgery.

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Who can be an ideal candidate for undergoing SRS treatment in India?

While stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive and relatively safe procedure, it is not for everyone. If you meet the following criteria, you may be a good candidate for radiosurgery:

• There is a neurological condition or tumor that cannot be surgically treated.
• Your doctor was unable to remove the tumor surgically.
• If you do not want to have a surgical procedure done.
• The tumor has recurred or grown again.
• Your doctor has expressed concern about you receiving anesthesia.
• If you are not a candidate for surgery due to a co-morbid condition.

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What are the conditions treated by stereotactic radiosurgery?

As this is a minimally invasive and precisely focused treatment, SRS is a preferred method of treatment for tumors in difficult-to-reach places and for certain rare conditions. Some of the conditions for which SRS is used are as follows:

Tumors of the brain, such as

• Meningioma
• Acoustic neuroma
• Astrocytoma of low grade
• Ependymoma
• Hemangioblastoma
• Pineal cyst
• Chordoma
• Glioma malignant

Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, pituitary adenoma, glomus tumor, melanoma, and to treat certain conditions like Parkinson’s disease(due to the presence of tumor), certain seizure disorders like epilepsy, SRS can be used.

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What are the possible complications related to stereotactic radiosurgery?

SRS has the following side effects:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headache
• Bleeding
• Pain and infection at the head frame pin-sites
• Vertigo

The following rare complications are possible:

• Seizures
• Swelling of the brain
• Pain in the nerves
• Healthy tissue death (radiation necrosis)
• Blood vessel damage

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of deep brain stimulation treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout your medical treatment and will be physically present with you even before it begins. The following will be provided to you:

• Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated care
• Prior appointment with specialists
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Arrangements for travel
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team is dedicated to offering the highest quality health care and services to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.