Stereotactic Radiosurgery is a medical procedure that uses focused beams of radiation to treat small tumors and other abnormalities in the brain. The pronunciation of this term is [ˌstɛriəʊˈtæktɪk ˈreɪdiəʊˌsɜːdʒəri]. The first part of the word "stereotactic" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and includes the sounds "st", "er", "eo", "ta" and "tic". The second part, "radiosurgery", is stressed on the first syllable and includes the sounds "ra", "di", "o", "sur" and "gery".
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a precise and advanced medical procedure that utilizes highly focused beams of radiation to precisely deliver high doses of therapeutic radiation to a specific target within the body. Unlike conventional surgery, SRS does not involve any incisions or invasive techniques and is typically used to treat small, well-defined tumors or lesions in the brain or other parts of the body.
This technique combines the principles of radiation therapy and stereotactic navigation to achieve maximum accuracy in targeting the affected area while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It relies on a specialized machine or device known as a linear accelerator that generates and delivers the radiation beams with exceptional precision. The machine is carefully programmed to ensure that the radiation is concentrated on the target area from multiple angles.
SRS is particularly effective for treating tumors or lesions that are difficult to access through open surgery or those located in sensitive areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial. It is often used to treat conditions such as brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trigeminal neuralgia, and epilepsy. The goal of SRS is to destroy or control the growth of the target tissue while minimizing the risk of complications or side effects.
As a non-invasive and highly targeted treatment, SRS offers several advantages over traditional surgery including faster recovery times, reduced risk of infection, and minimal scarring. However, it is essential that the procedure is performed by a skilled team of medical professionals who are experienced in using this sophisticated technology to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.
The word "Stereotactic Radiosurgery" is composed of two main parts - "stereotactic" and "radiosurgery".
The term "stereotactic" is derived from the Greek words "stereo", meaning solid, and "taktikos", meaning pertaining to arrangement or order. The term was first used in the field of physiology in the early 20th century to describe a method of precisely measuring the position of structures within the brain.
The term "radiosurgery" is a combination of the words "radio" and "surgery". It was coined in the 1950s by Swedish neurosurgeon Lars Leksell. The prefix "radio-" refers to the use of radiation in the treatment, while "surgery" signifies the precision and intentionality involved in the procedure.