When facing a diagnosis that involves the brain, the idea of surgery can feel overwhelming — but advances in neurosurgical technology have made it possible to treat many conditions without ever picking up a scalpel. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure that uses image guidance and precisely targeted beams to treat specific disorders, including brain tumors. As an alternative to conventional surgery or larger-field radiation therapy, it is appropriate for treating smaller tumors and vascular (blood vessel) malformations. The goal of radiosurgery is to damage brain abnormalities pinpointed during MRIs or CT scans while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy brain tissue.
At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our fellowship-trained neurosurgeons have spent nearly two decades delivering advanced radiosurgical care to patients across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Recognized as regional leaders in Gamma Knife and Cyberknife procedures, our board-certified team combines deep clinical expertise with a patient-first philosophy — guiding every patient through diagnosis, treatment planning, and recovery with clarity and compassion. Our outcomes reflect a sustained commitment to precision, safety, and the kind of personalized care that has defined our practice since 2005.
What Happens During Radiosurgery?
Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics neurosurgeons offer Gamma Knife and Cyberknife radiosurgery procedures. During these stereotactic brain surgery procedures, your neurosurgical team imports brain imaging into a computer system, which provides a 3D image of your brain and the intended target. Imaging and specialized instruments help guide selection and mapping of the target tissue or lesion. Because of the non-invasive nature of the procedure, patients can avoid the pain, bleeding, and infection risks common to open surgery.
How Long Will I Stay in the Hospital?
Patients are generally able to come home the same day, and it is rare to require admission for the radiosurgery procedure itself.
How Does the Gamma Knife Work?
The Gamma Knife is one method of performing radiosurgery. It is a device that precisely aims multiple concentrated beams of radiation at brain lesions. The Gamma Knife directs gamma-ray radiation from up to 201 sources of radioactive cobalt. Each radiation beam has a relatively low amount of energy. However, when 201 beams intersect into a tight grouping on the target tissue, the energy is magnified. The target can be quite small, from several millimeters to three centimeters in diameter, with minimal impact on surrounding tissue due to the rapid drop-off in energy outside the isocenter (target zone).
The Gamma Knife uses a rigid stereotactic frame (technology that allows the surgeon to position the patient’s head very precisely). The frame is affixed to the skull to immobilize the head. The Gamma Knife is then programmed to precisely change the beams to deliver desired energy to the treatment site. Patients experience relatively little discomfort, and the treatment session may range from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the nature of the disease. The Gamma Knife unit is located in a specially designed room equipped with television monitoring and two-way voice communication, so the physician can see and converse with the patient during treatment.
What Conditions Can Radiosurgery Treat?
Radiosurgery technology can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Benign (non-cancer) tumors
- Malignant (cancer) skull tumors
- Acoustic neuromas
- Pituitary adenomas
- Pinealomas
- Craniopharyngiomas
- Meningiomas
- Chordomas
- Chondrosarcomas
- Abnormal vascular formations (artery, vein)
- Arteriovenous malformations or AVMs
- Functional disorders
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Intractable pain
When treating a tumor or lesion, the Gamma Knife does not remove the tumor or lesion. Instead, the treatment disrupts the tumor’s DNA, which interferes with its ability to survive.
What’s the Difference Between Gamma Knife and Cyberknife?
The main difference between the Cyberknife and Gamma Knife is that the Cyberknife does not require a frame mounted to the patient’s head. Instead, it is a non-invasive treatment in which patients lie on a treatment table while the radiation system, which is mounted on a robotic arm, moves around them. Gamma Knife is used to treat cancers inside the skull, while Cyberknife is capable of treating lesions from head to toe. Gamma Knife is generally more accurate for small, complex brain lesions, and Cyberknife’s frameless system can treat larger lesions in more locations. Cyberknife can also be used to treat patients on successive days (fractionation), allowing larger doses over a more extended period.
What Are the Side Effects of Radiosurgery?
The side effects of radiosurgery treatment may include swelling or, rarely, necrosis (tissue death). If swelling does occur, steroids may be administered to reduce inflammation within the tumor or lesion cavity. Your doctor will carefully monitor for side effects and will treat them promptly if they arise.
What Are the Benefits of Radiosurgery?
- Radiosurgery avoids the physical trauma and other risks associated with conventional open brain surgery. These include spinal fluid leaks, nerve dysfunction, infection, and heart or lung problems.
- Radiosurgery’s accuracy spares surrounding tissue and targets treatment to a small, specified area.
- For patients who are ill, infirm, or elderly, or for those being treated for recurring or residual tumors, open-skull surgery may not be an option. Radiosurgery is a safer alternative in many of these cases.
- Some tumors or lesions are inaccessible, and radiosurgery may be used to treat these disorders.
- Complications from general anesthesia are avoided since the patient only needs mild sedation.
- Most patients will not require overnight hospitalization.
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics for Radiosurgery
Patients across New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and beyond choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics because of the rare combination we offer: world-class neurosurgical expertise paired with a genuinely human, relationship-driven approach to care. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons are recognized leaders in stereotactic radiosurgery, with extensive experience performing Gamma Knife and Cyberknife procedures for complex brain conditions. We invest in the most advanced imaging and treatment technology available, collaborate closely with the region’s top hospitals, and take the time to educate every patient about their options — so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and trust in the team caring for you.
Contact PBSO About Gamma & Cyberknife Procedures
If you would like more information about stereotactic radiosurgery and the conditions it treats, contact Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics today. Call us at (888) 741-7272 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. Our patients are family, and we are pleased to answer your questions about these safe, minimally invasive approaches to treating brain conditions.
