Brain surgery without a knife. It's not only possible, but it's the safest alternative to whole brain radiation and surgery.

Palmetto Health Richland is the first and only hospital in the state to offer Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery to treat brain tumors.

Investing approximately $3.5 million in December 2008, the hospital installed the latest technology with the Leksell Gamma Knife®.

What exactly is the Gamma Knife? Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a radically different approach to brain surgery that yields extremely positive results. It is not a knife at all; rather an instrument that uses 201 radiation beams, specifically gamma rays, to pinpoint and destroy abnormalities in the brain.

It is a one- session, non- invasive, virtually painless procedure that does not require general anesthesia.

On the day of treatment, there are different phases a patient undergoes, including stereotactic frame placement, imaging, treatment planning and then Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

The treatment time depends on the size and shape of the area being treated.

After treatment, most patients are able to go home the same day.

Since Palmetto Health Richland began using the Gamma Knife 10 years ago, more than 1,700 patients have been treated.

This minimally invasive outpatient procedure does not require an incision, lowering the risk of infection and allowing patients to quickly resume normal activity.