Gamma Knife radiosurgery is commonly used to treat several brain conditions with high precision — often without open brain surgery.
Brain Tumors
Benign tumors such as meningioma and other selected tumors
Tumors located deep inside the brain
Tumors not suitable for open surgery
Recurrent tumors after previous treatment
Acoustic Neuroma (Hearing Nerve Tumors)
Tumor affecting hearing and balance nerves
Helps control tumor growth
Preserves hearing and facial nerve function in many cases
Brain Metastases
Cancer that has spread to the brain from other organs
Can treat single or multiple brain metastases
Targets tumors while protecting healthy brain tissue
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
Abnormal blood vessel connections in the brain
Gamma Knife gradually closes the abnormal vessels
Helps reduce long-term bleeding risk
Trigeminal Neuralgia (Severe Facial Pain)
Severe facial pain not responding to medication
Targets the nerve causing pain
Can provide long-lasting pain relief without surgery
Pituitary Tumors
Small to medium pituitary tumors
Helps control tumor growth
Protects surrounding structures like vision and hormone centers
Is Gamma Knife the Right Treatment for My Brain Tumor?
Gamma Knife is not suitable for every brain tumor — and at KIMS, we will never recommend it unless it is genuinely the best option for your case. Here is how our neurosurgeons decide
Gamma Knife is typically recommended when:
The tumor is 3 cm or smaller in diameter
The tumor is located deep inside the brain or near critical structures where surgery is dangerous
The patient is elderly or has other health conditions that make open surgery high-risk
The tumor has returned after previous surgery or radiation
There are multiple small brain metastases that can be targeted in a single session
The patient prefers a non-surgical option and the tumor characteristics support it
Open surgery may still be recommended when:
The tumor is large and causing immediate pressure on the brain
Tissue needs to be removed urgently to relieve symptoms
A biopsy is needed first to confirm the tumor type
In many cases, both are used together — surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor, followed by Gamma Knife to treat any remaining tissue with precision.
The only way to know for certain is an evaluation by a neurosurgeon experienced in both open surgery and radiosurgery — so the recommendation is not biased toward either approach.
Share your MRI with our team and get an honest assessment within 24 hours.
Head of Neurosciences & Senior consultant neurosurgeon with extensive experience in brain tumor surgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
KIMS Secunderabad
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery at KIMS is performed under the leadership of Dr. Manas Kumar Panigrahi, a senior neurosurgeon with 30+ years of experience in treating complex brain conditions. With expertise in brain tumors, vascular malformations, epilepsy, and functional neurosurgery, Dr. Panigrahi ensures that Gamma Knife treatment is precisely planned, safely delivered, and tailored to each patient—while preserving normal brain function.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is an advanced, non-invasive brain treatment that uses highly focused radiation to target the problem area with extreme precision.
No surgical cuts
No general anaesthesia
No stitches
Minimal hospital stay
Why Neurosurgeons Recommend Gamma Knife
Surgery is risky due to lesion location
Condition is deep-seated or near critical structures
Patients want a safer alternative to open surgery
Residual disease after previous surgery
At KIMS Neurosciences, Gamma Knife is used as a primary treatment or as part of a comprehensive care plan, depending on each patient’s condition.
Every patient is evaluated individually by our neurosurgery and radiosurgery team to decide if Gamma Knife is the right option.
What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment that uses highly focused beams of gamma radiation to target and destroy abnormal tissue in the brain — without the need for open surgery.
Despite its name, Gamma Knife isn’t an actual “knife”. Instead, it’s a form of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) that uses precise imaging and computer guidance to deliver radiation to a pinpoint target — typically accurate within less than 0.5 mm.
At KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad, the Leksell Gamma Knife system enables neurosurgeons to treat complex brain conditions with surgical precision — but without incisions, anesthesia, or hospital stays.
Ready to Explore a Safer, Non-Surgical Option?
Consult our Gamma Knife specialists and find out if you’re a candidate for this advanced treatment.
Our Testimonials
Patient Stories
Hear how patients regained control and confidence after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery at KIMS Hospitals.
"Ramesh Gupta Terrified of open surgery for my father, we chose Gamma Knife at KIMS. No cuts, no anesthesia, and he was discharged the next day. World-class facility"
— Ramesh Gupta
"Suffered from Trigeminal Neuralgia (facial pain) for 5 years. The procedure was painless and felt just like an MRI. Two months later, I am completely pain-free"
— Sitha Lakshmi
"The doctors explained the radiosurgery process clearly. The best part was the recovery—I was back to work in just 3 days! Great to have this tech in Secunderabad"
— Vikram Reddy
"Consulted three specialists for my AVM, but felt safest at KIMS. They handled everything from insurance to the procedure perfectly. A very well-managed unit."
— Anjali Mehta
"State-of-the-art tech and compassionate care. The treatment was non-invasive and precise. Thanks to the team for giving my mother a new lease on life"
— Mohd. Fareed
Why Choose KIMS Hospitals for Gamma Knife in South India
Reasons patients trust us:
State-of-the-art Facility
Equipped with advanced Leksell Gamma Knife system
Expert Team
Neurosurgeons with extensive experience
Comprehensive Care
Full neuro care team for pre- and post-procedure management
Minimally Invasive
Alternatives to open brain surgery with precision
Trusted Outcomes
Patients across South India rely on us for safety and results
Ready to Explore a Safer, Non-Surgical Option?
Consult our Gamma Knife specialists and find out if you’re a candidate for this advanced treatment.
Your Treatment Day: What to Expect
Stereotactic Frame
A lightweight frame or custom-fit mask keeps the head perfectly still during treatment.
Precision Imaging & Planning
The patient undergoes an MRI or CT scan to map the exact location and size of the lesion or target area.
Dose Planning
Using specialized software, doctors plan the radiation dose — ensuring the highest accuracy with minimal impact on healthy brain tissue.
Focused Radiation Delivery
Up to 192 gamma rays converge at the target point to deliver a powerful, localized dose that destroys the abnormal cells.
No Recovery Downtime
The procedure typically takes 1–3 hours, and most patients go home the same day.
Gamma Knife Radio surgery is especially beneficial for patients with small tumors and for those who are not suitable for open brain surgery due to age, health or tumor location. It’s a safe, clinically proven and internationally recognised alternative that provides excellent long-term control for many neurological conditions.
Why Gamma Knife Treatment is a Clear Winner
Unmatched precision with minimal radiation exposure — less than 0.5% of the brain receives radiation, preserving neurocognition and enabling a superior quality of life.
Gamma Knife
<0.5% of brain irradiated
Best Option
Zap X After
5-15% of brain irradated
LINAC / CyberKnife
20–30% of brain irradiated
Whole Brain Radiation Therapy
100% of brain irradiatedr
Proton Therapy
Irradiates column of healthy tissue
Feature
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Zap X After
Linac based SRS
WBRT
Proton Therapy
Invasiveness
Non-Invasive (No Incision)
Non-invasive
Non invasive
Non-invasive
Non Invasive
Precision
Sub-millimetre, <0.5% brain irradiated
Moderate-5-15% brain
Lower, 20-30% of brain irradiated
None – 100% brain irradiated
Targeted dose with exit dose to surrounding areas
Cognitive Impact
Minimal to none, preserves neurocognition
Medium risk due to moderate radiation scatter
Higher risk than Gamma knife due to greater radiation scatter
High risk of progressive cognitive decline
Low to moderate risk depending on target size and location
Treatment Time
Single session (minutes to hours)
Single or multiple sessions
Single or multiple sessions
Multiple sessions over 2–3 weeks
Multiple sessions over several weeks
Recovery
24–48 hours
Days to weeks
Days to weeks
Fatigue throughout treatment
Fatigue during treatment course
Ready to Explore a Safer, Non-Surgical Option?
Consult our Gamma Knife specialists and find out if you’re a candidate for this advanced treatment.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
No. Gamma Knife is not a knife and does not involve any incision or surgery.
Despite the name, Gamma Knife uses highly focused gamma radiation beams to target brain lesions with extreme precision.
There is:
No cutting
No stitches
No blood loss
Is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery really non-surgical?
Yes. Despite the term “surgery,” no incision or cutting is involved. The word “surgery” refers to the surgical precision of the radiation delivery. There’s no scalp opening, no general anesthesia, and no stitches.
What conditions can be treated with Gamma Knife?
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is used for:
• Brain tumors (benign or malignant)
• Metastatic brain lesions
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Acoustic neuromas
• Pituitary adenomas
• Certain functional disorders like Parkinson’s tremor or epilepsy
What are the benefits compared to open brain surgery?
• No incision or anesthesia
• Lower risk of infection or bleeding
• Shorter recovery — go home the same day
• High precision — healthy brain tissue is spared
• Immediate or gradual symptom improvement
Is Gamma Knife treatment painful?
The procedure is painless. You may feel mild pressure while the head frame or mask is being fitted, but there’s no sensation of radiation during the treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
Typically, Gamma Knife treatment is completed in a single session. In some rare cases, multiple sessions may be planned.
When can I resume normal activities?
Most patients resume light activities within 24–48 hours. You can return to work as soon as you feel comfortable.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are generally mild and temporary — fatigue, mild headache, or scalp soreness. Serious complications are rare.
How soon will I see results?
It depends:
• Trigeminal neuralgia: relief in days–weeks
• Tumors/AVMs: shrinkage over months
Your doctor will monitor progress.
Is Gamma Knife safe?
Yes, it's one of the most proven and globally used radiosurgery methods with millions of successful treatments.
How can I book a consultation at KIMS Hospitals?
Fill out the form below or call our Neuro Care Helpline. Our team will guide you on eligibility and next steps.
Clinical Outcomes at a Glance
Evidence-backed results showcasing the precision and effectiveness of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.