Penn State Hershey Neurosurgery
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery  replaces the surgeon's scalpel with a single dose of radiation. During the procedure, the patient wears a lightweight head frame that attaches to a helmet through which 201 beams of radiation are precisely focused at the target.  The tissue being treated receives an effective dose of radiation while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed.

The minimally invasive procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. Although the entire procedure takes several hours, the actual treatment takes just 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the lesion being treated. Gamma knife radiosurgery can be used to treat benign or malignant tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, and certain vascular malformations (AVM). If there are multiple tumors or if the tumor spreads to another area, radiosurgery can be repeated.   Ask your doctor if Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is right for you.

Gamma knife radiosurgery has proven effective for nearely 200,000 candidates for brain surgery who have chosen this option over invasive neurological procedures.  It has been available for 40 years with substantial research and follow-up supporting its treatments and outcomes. Our surgeons are experienced with treating a wide variety of diseases with radoisurgery using the Gamma Knife.

 

To make an appointment, please call (717) 531-4191 or Toll-Free 1-800-292-3332 option 7 then option 2.

 

To make an appointment for Penn State Neurosurgery at Wyoming Valley, please call (570) 706-2620.

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
(South Annex)

500 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033

Penn State Neurosurgery at Wyoming Valley
545 N. River Street
Suite 240
Wilkes-Barre, PA  18702

Phone: (570) 706-2620
Fax: (570) 706-2627

How is my procedure billed?
The Gamma Knife Coordinator will obtain preauthorization for procedures.  For more information on Patient Financial Services please click here.

How do I schedule my procedure?
After meeting with the Neurosurgeon and Radiation Oncologist, the Gamma Knife Coordinator will contact you to schedule your procedure.  A tour of the facility will be provided at one of your appointments with the physicians.  Neuropsychological testing may be required in some instances, this will be discussed with you at your appointment.

Where do I go on the day of my procedure?
Park in the South parking garage and exit the garage to the South Annex, the door will be on your left before you get to the South entrance of the main hospital.  Check in at the front desk between 6 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. unless otherwise scheduled by the Gamma Knife Coordinator.  Remember, you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, except for your medications.  The only medications that should not be taken will be indicated by the Gamma Knife Coordinator prior to your procedure.  Also, please remember no metal in your clothing (i.e. belts, jewelry (other than wedding rings), metal objects in your pockets, no change or credit cards).  Rings, underwire bras, blue jeans, grommets in shoes/sneakers are allowed.

What do I need to bring with me to my procedure?
You may bring music to listen to during your treatment.  We can accommodate ipods or cds.  As there is limited room, only one to two family members can be with you at a time prior to your treatment.  Please keep all valuables at home.