Stereotactic Surgery

1. What is Stereotactic Surgery?

Stereotactic surgery is a highly precise surgical technique that uses three-dimensional coordinates to locate and access a specific target within the brain or other anatomical structures.

2. When is Stereotactic Surgery recommended?

It may be used for selected brain tumours, deep-seated lesions, movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, certain epilepsy cases, brain biopsies, and other conditions where precise access to a small or deep target is required.

3. How does stereotactic navigation work?

The patient's CT or MRI images are integrated with a navigation system to create a three-dimensional map. The surgeon uses this information to guide instruments toward the planned target while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

4. What procedures can be performed using stereotactic techniques?

Applications include stereotactic brain biopsy, lesion targeting, deep brain stimulation (DBS), stereotactic aspiration of selected lesions, and certain functional neurosurgical procedures.

5. What is Stereotactic Brain Biopsy?

A stereotactic biopsy uses precise image guidance to obtain a small tissue sample from a brain lesion. The sample is examined by a pathologist to establish the diagnosis and help determine appropriate treatment.

6. Is Stereotactic Surgery minimally invasive?

Many stereotactic procedures require only a small opening or small surgical access point compared with conventional open brain surgery. The exact approach depends on the condition and planned procedure.

7. What are the benefits?

The major advantage is high precision. Stereotactic techniques can provide access to deep or difficult-to-reach targets while limiting disruption to surrounding healthy brain tissue.

8. What are the risks?

Potential complications include bleeding, infection, seizures, neurological deficits, brain swelling, injury to surrounding structures, and anesthesia-related complications. The risk varies considerably according to the target and procedure.

9. Why consider Stereotactic Surgery in India?

India has experienced neurosurgeons and functional-neurosurgery specialists, advanced MRI/CT-based navigation systems, stereotactic equipment, modern neurosurgical facilities, and comparatively affordable treatment costs for international patients.

10. How can Medavelle help?

Medavelle can facilitate preliminary review of MRI/CT scans and medical records, connect patients with an appropriate neurosurgical specialist, coordinate stereotactic evaluation and treatment at a suitable hospital, obtain an individualized cost estimate, and assist with travel, accommodation, hospital coordination, and rehabilitation arrangements in India.