Journal of neurosurgery
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The authors reviewed their 14-year experience using stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of hemangioblastomas and define the role and the proper strategy for radiosurgery of this condition. ⋯ Gamma knife surgery is a safe and effective method to control hemangioblastomas for as many as 10 years. Higher doses and smaller tumors probably contribute to good outcomes. Recurrence outside the original irradiated area is common. Peritumoral contrast enhancement may be seen in larger tumors. The authors recommend regular imaging follow up and early repeated treatment in the face of new or growing tumors.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2005
Clinical TrialProgress in glaucoma treatment research: a nonrandomized prospective study of 102 patients with advanced refractory glaucoma treated by Leksell gamma knife irradiation.
The authors performed a study to characterize the effects of ciliary body gamma knife surgery (GKS) for advanced glaucoma. ⋯ Gamma knife surgery ameliorates the main symptoms in advanced glaucomas and precludes the need for eventual ocular enucleation.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2005
Comparative StudyA comparison of the gamma knife model C and the automatic positioning system with Leksell model B.
The authors sought to compare the quality of treatment planning, radiation protection, and the time taken for treatment in the Leksell gamma knife model B with that using the model C Automatic Positioning System (APS). ⋯ With the C model there was a better conformity for most treated targets, such as vestibular schwannomas (p = 0.005) and meningiomas (p = 0.015). The level of radiation exposures to personnel was significantly decreased when using the model C (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in radiation exposure of extracranial structures for the same number of shots in patients treated by both models. The mean time saved using the C model with the APS was 41 minutes per treatment. It would seem that the gamma knife model C permits better dose conformity, shorter treatment times, and less radiation exposure to personnel.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volume-reducing effects of gamma knife surgery (GKS) of meningiomas with and without previous surgical treatment. ⋯ Gamma knife surgery was effective in reducing meningioma volume at short-term follow up. Further studies are needed to examine the development of these findings over a longer period.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2005
Low-dose radiosurgery for large vestibular schwannomas: long-term results of functional preservation.
The author conducted a study to assess the long-term results obtained in patients who underwent GKS for large vestibular schwannomas (> cochlear nerve functions were evaluated. ⋯ Gamma knife surgery seems to have a place in the low-dose treatment of selected large vestibular schwannoma in patients with a reasonable chance of retaining facial function and pretreatment hearing level. Patients with severe brainstem compression should first be undergo microsurgery.