Retrospective analysis of unstaged and staged Gamma Knife surgery with and without preceding embolization for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations.

Object: The authors conducted a retrospective study to examine data on rates of obliteration of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with use of various combinations of treatment modalities based on Gamma Knife surgery (GKS). The authors believe that this study is the first to report on patients treated with embolization followed by staged GKS.

Methods: The authors identified 150 patients who underwent GKS for treatment of AVMs between 1994 and 2004.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is a paroxysmal pain syndrome commonly associated with multiple sclerosis. While gamma knife radiosurgery has been shown to be an effective treatment for most cases of trigeminal neuralgia, it is considered to be less efficacious in patients with multiple sclerosis and less viable as a treatment option.

Methods: Seven patients with multiple-sclerosis-associated trigeminal neuralgia were identified from 50 consecutive patients treated for trigeminal neuralgia at the Memorial-Hermann Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Center.

Treatment of acoustic neuroma: stereotactic radiosurgery vs. microsurgery.

Purpose: Two major treatment options are available for patients with acoustic neuroma, microsurgery and radiosurgery. Our objective was to compare these two treatment modalities with respect to tumor growth control, hearing preservation, development of cranial neuropathies, complications, functional outcome, and patient satisfaction.

Methods And Materials: To compare radiosurgery with microsurgery, we analyzed 96 patients with unilateral acoustic neuromas treated with Leksell Gamma Knife or microsurgery at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas, between 1993 and 2000.