Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Penn State Hershey Gamma Knife Center 717-531-8807 option 4

Penn State Neurosurgery at Wyoming Valley 570-706-2620.



What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?


Gamma Knife Radiosurgery replaces a surgeon’s scalpel with a single dose of radiation. This is not a knife in the normal sense of the word. The physician makes no incision in your head. Instead, very precisely focused beams of radiation are directed to the treatment area of the brain. This procedure is simple, painless and straight forward.

What disease’s can be treated with the Gamma Knife?

Benign or malignant tumorTrigeminal Neuralgia
Certain vascular malformations (AVM’S) Acoustic Neuroma’s
Parkinsons Disease 


Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Team


• Neurosurgeons
• Radiation Oncologist
• Gamma Knife Coordinator – assist with scheduling, insurance authorizations, prescription needs



What to expect?


Click here to read more about what to expect


Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Handbook

 

 

 

 

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.

  • Akash Agarwal, MD - Wyoming Valley
    • Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)
    • Metastatic & Primary Tumors
    • Neurovascular
    • Pituitary Tumors
    • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Sandi Brettler, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Gamma Knife Coordinator
  • Carlo de Luna, MD - Wyoming Valley
  •              Trigeminal Neuralgia
  •              Metastatic & Primary Tumors
  •              Pituitary Tumors

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.