If you’ve been told you need treatment for a brain condition, the idea of brain surgery can be overwhelming. But not all treatments require scalpels or long hospital stays. One of the most advanced tools in modern neurosurgery is the Gamma Knife – a non-invasive, highly precise form of treatment that doesn’t involve any cutting at all.
Despite the name, Gamma Knife isn’t a knife in the traditional sense. It’s actually a specialised machine that delivers focused beams of radiation to a specific area of the brain. This treatment is used to target tumours, vascular malformations, and other abnormalities without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
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How Does Gamma Knife Work?
Gamma Knife uses multiple beams of gamma radiation, each one too weak on its own to cause harm. However, when all the beams converge on a single point, they deliver a powerful dose of energy that destroys abnormal tissue – such as a tumour or lesion – with millimetre accuracy. Because of this pinpoint precision, it’s often used in delicate areas of the brain where traditional surgery would be too risky.
This treatment is typically carried out in one session and doesn’t require general anaesthesia. Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
In most cases, Gamma Knife treatment requires only a single session. This is one of its major benefits. The precision of the technology means a high dose can be delivered safely in one sitting, which is ideal for both convenience and clinical effectiveness. However, depending on the size or the depth of the tumour to be treated, or when a mask is used for positioning, multiple sessions may be needed.
What Conditions Can It Treat?
Gamma Knife is used for a variety of neurological conditions, including:
- Brain tumours (both benign and malignant)
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Acoustic neuromas
- Certain cases of epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease
What Are The Advantages Of Gamma Knife Surgery?
Gamma Knife treatment offers several compelling advantages, particularly for patients with delicate or hard-to-reach brain conditions. One of its most significant benefits is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional brain surgery, it does not require any incisions or general anaesthesia. This drastically reduces the risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding brain tissue. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days, making recovery far quicker and less disruptive.
Another key advantage is extreme precision. Gamma Knife delivers highly focused beams of radiation that converge on a specific target with millimetre accuracy. This allows specialists to treat conditions like tumours, arteriovenous malformations, and nerve disorders without affecting nearby healthy brain structures. For patients who are elderly, have other medical conditions, or are not good candidates for open surgery, it presents a safer, effective, and clinically proven alternative.
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How Much Does Gamma Knife Surgery Cost In Singapore?
In Singapore, Gamma Knife treatment is expensive, and may cost from S$90,000 and above, depending on the complexity of the condition, hospital facilities, and whether additional imaging or pre-treatment assessments are needed. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the treatment, so it’s best to consult with both your neurosurgeon and insurance provider beforehand.
Considering Gamma Knife Treatment?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that could benefit from Gamma Knife, it’s worth exploring this cutting-edge option. Many patients are surprised to learn how gentle and effective it can be, especially compared to traditional surgery.
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Disclaimer: 365Asia aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information, our contents do not constitute medical or any professional advice. If medical advice is required, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. Patient stories are for general reading. They are based on third-party information and have not been independently verified.