Radiosurgery
A world-class stereotactic radiosurgery program
We offer advanced stereotactic radiosurgical treatment options for conditions such as tumors, trigeminal neuralgia and arteriovenous malformations at the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Center, part of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Northern Westchester Hospital.
Our team consists of skilled neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, spine surgeons,nurses and rehabilitation experts. We also have a highly experienced physicist who is responsible for all radiation therapy equipment, radio-isotope procedures and their quality assurance.
This multidisciplinary team works with groundbreaking technologies including the Gamma Knife Perfexion and Novalis radiosurgery systems. Together, they are improving patient care, reducing complication rates, and providing new treatment options by using noninvasive techniques and “knifeless” surgical tools.
Understanding radiosurgery
How stereotactic radiosurgery works
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a “knifeless” surgery, a groundbreaking treatment that provides patients and neurosurgeons with a noninvasive alternative to open surgery. There are no incisions, and anesthesia is not required, allowing most patients to be treated on an outpatient basis.
It starts with a precise, computer-guided MRI and CAT/CT scan to create detailed, 3D imaging of a tumor, malignancy or treatment site. Our team uses these images to calculate the best access points and develop a personalized treatment plan. Specialized radiosurgery equipment is then used to deliver a highly concentrated dose of radiation directly into the tumor, lesion or malformation.
The exceptional precision of our stereotactic radiosurgery center systems allows us to deliver radiation deep within the body while protecting the healthy tissue surrounding the treatment site.
Conditions we treat
Our Stereotactic Radiosurgery Center treats a wide variety of both cancerous and noncancerous conditions including:
- Acoustic neuromas
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Malignant and benign brain tumors
- Metastasized cancers of the brain, neck and head
- Parkinson's disease
- Spinal tumors
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Tumors of the liver and/or lungs
Advantages of radiosurgery
Radiosurgery offers several advantages over traditional, open surgical options:
- There is reduced risk of damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor or treatment site.
- Patients are usually treated on an outpatient basis, avoiding the need for hospitalization.
- Gamma Knife and Novalis treatments are painless and well tolerated by patients.
- Neurosurgeons can deliver high doses of radiation deep inside tissues.
- Radiosurgery can be used to reduce the overall number of radiation treatments that are needed; in some cases, patients can receive their entire dosage of radiation in a single radiosurgery session.
- SRS eliminates the need for anesthetic or pain medication.
Our Stereotactic Radiosurgery Center offers treatment options for patients with brain, head and neck tumors or tumors on organs, who are unable to have traditional surgery due to the location of their tumor or co-occurring medical conditions.
How long is radiosurgery treatment?
Most patients complete their stereotactic radiosurgery treatments in one to five sessions, and each session takes under an hour to complete. In many cases, our patients are able to return to their regular activities within a day of their SRS treatments.
Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program
Compassionate cancer care
We offer free services to those recently diagnosed with cancer, are currently receiving treatment or are a survivor. This program, used in conjunction with medical treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, helps enhance quality of life.
