Is Gamma Knife surgery covered by OHIP?

If no written prior approval for funding is received, OHIP will not fund the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. For additional information or clarification regarding this bulletin please call the Out-of-Country/Province toll free number at 1-888-359-8807.

How long does Gamma Knife surgery take?

Most treatments take 30 minutes to three hours (for the treatment itself), depending on the size, shape, and location of the lesion and number of radiation doses. After your treatment, the table moves out of the machine and the staff will enter the room. Your head frame/mask and IV are removed.

What is a Gamma Knife Centre?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a type of focused radiation therapy used to treat certain types of tumors or abnormalities in the brain, its covering, and nerves and blood vessels. It is an effective, noninvasive alternative to brain surgery.

What kind of doctor does Gamma Knife?

Prior to a Gamma Knife procedure, patients visit the hospital for possible blood tests, and to meet with the doctors and nurse who will participate in the procedure. Depending on your condition, your doctors may include a radiation oncologist or neurosurgeon.

How long is recovery after Gamma Knife surgery?

After the procedure, a patient will typically spend 3-5 days recovering in the hospital before being released to return home. Brain tumor recovery following traditional surgery can be relatively lengthy, including activity and work restrictions that can range from 4-8 weeks.

Who is a candidate for Gamma Knife surgery?

Who is a candidate for Gamma Knife radiosurgery? Because Gamma Knife therapy relies on the ability to identify the treatment target through imaging, patients whose lesions are easily identifiable using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resistance imaging (MRI) often make the best candidates.

What happens to tumor after Gamma Knife?

Gamma Knife radiosurgery results in the failure of tumor cells to reproduce. The tumor may shrink over a period of 18 months to two years, but the main goal of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for benign tumors is to prevent any future tumor growth.

Are you sedated for Gamma Knife?

You will be awake during the radiosurgery, but you will be comfortably sedated. An IV is placed in your arm prior to the treatment. Medication is then administered through this IV to help you relax. You will also receive a special medicated lollypop.

What are the side effects of gamma knife surgery?

Possible Gamma Knife risks and/or side effects include:

• Headache.
• Scalp swelling.
• Red and/or irritated skin at the treatment site.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Numbness and/or weakness.
• Seizures.
• Temporary or permanent hair loss at the treatment site.
• Swelling of the brain.

Where can I get a gamma knife in Ontario?

Toronto Western Hospital to receive Ontario’s first Gamma Knife. A non-invasive radiation therapy machine known as the Gamma Knife – the first ever in Ontario – will treat about 300 neuroscience patients annually at Toronto Western Hospital’s Krembil Neuroscience Centre, starting next year.

When did Toronto Western Hospital get the Gamma Knife?

Known for its world-class neuroscience program, Toronto Western Hospital has ordered the province’s first Gamma Knife with plans to treat the first patient in summer, 2005.

Where does the gamma knife procedure take place?

The Gamma Knife procedure is performed without incisions or the need for general anesthesia. The Gamma Knife Centre is located at the Toronto Western Hospital and works as a unique collaboration between the Neuroscience, Medical Imaging, and the Radiation Medicine Programs.

Who is the neurosurgeon at Toronto Western Hospital?

Dr. Mojgan Hodaie is staff neurosurgeon at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network and the surgical co-Director of the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Family Gamma Knife Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital. Dr.