Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

How Does Stereotactic Radiosurgery Work?

Stereotactic Radiosurgery works by concentrating a large number of tiny radiation beams on the part of the body where the tumour is located. These beams have very minimal effect on the tissue it goes through, but the area where all the radiation beams intersect receives a focused dose of radiation. These radiation beams essentially serve as the scalpel for the operation, which removes the need for traditional surgery.

Tumours shrink and blood vessels close off over time as a result of the high dosage of radiation delivered to the targeted area, depriving the tumour of its blood supply. Because Stereotactic Radiosurgery is so precise, it does very little damage to the healthy tissues around it. When compared to other types of traditional surgery for removing cancer cells, radiosurgery has a lower risk of adverse effects in the majority of situations.

There are several modalities of Stereotactic Radiosurgery, such as Framed SRS (e.g Gamma Knife) or Frameless SRS (e.g linac-based cyberknife). Framed SRS usually involves using screws to secure the headframe onto the patient as an invasive procedure, while Frameless SRS uses a thermoplastic mask to secure the head and is non-invasive.

Possible Side Effects of Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Because Stereotactic Radiosurgery does not require surgical operations, it is considered to be safer than standard surgery. Anaesthesia, bleeding, and infection are all possible consequences in traditional surgery that will be avoided when stereotactic radiosurgery is used. Complications or adverse effects that occur early on are often just transitory. 

For the first few weeks after Stereotactic Radiosurgery, you may feel tired and fatigued. Headaches, nausea, and vomiting can occur as a result of swelling near the targeted area. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent or treat symptoms if they arise. Your scalp may also become red, itchy, or painful. Some patients may experience slight hair loss for a short period, but frequently regrow it after some time.