This is an advanced radiotherapy technique that allows high doses of radiation to be administered with precision while preserving healthy tissue.
The Hospital Universitario Son Espases has performed the first stereotactic radiosurgery on a patient with a brain injury, an advanced radiotherapy technique that allows high doses of radiation to be administered with precision and accuracy in small intracranial lesions. The professionals of the Radiation Oncology Service, together with those of Radiophysics, Radiology and Neurosurgery, were responsible for carrying out this first procedure, which lasted just over half an hour. The patient is currently doing well. It is expected that around seventy patients from the Balearic Islands could benefit from this new technique each year.
The main objective of stereotactic brain radiosurgery is to destroy the brain lesion while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue, thus avoiding surgery. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, this technique is completed in a single or a few sessions, a feature that simplifies the process and saves patients from travelling to hospital.
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Son Espases performs the first stereotactic radiosurgery on a patient with a brain injury
The procedure is outpatient, takes a short time, is painless and generally well tolerated, allowing patients to return to their usual activities after treatment, provided they follow the recommendations given by professionals.
Stereotactic radiosurgery can only be performed in specialised radiotherapy units equipped with advanced technology, including real-time or sub-millimetre precision image positioning control systems. This technology makes it possible to determine the exact position of the tumour and adjust movements accordingly during irradiation, maximising the accuracy and efficacy of treatment.
It has been proven that brain radiosurgery improves survival and quality of life in patients who are not candidates for conventional surgery, either because of their general health or because of the location of the lesion in areas that are difficult to access. In any case, not all brain lesions are suitable for this treatment, as its indication must be determined by a multidisciplinary committee made up of specialists in radiation oncology, radiophysics, neuroradiology and neurosurgery. In cases where treatment is approved, professionals plan it on an individualised basis, which ensures that it is properly monitored and provides standardised, safe and high quality care throughout the process.
An investment of 13.5 million euros to acquire state-of-the-art technology for the Radiation Oncology Service
The Hospital Universitario Son Espases has invested 13.5 million euros to acquire state-of-the-art technology for the Radiation Oncology Service. Specifically, it has incorporated four state-of-the-art linear accelerators and a CT simulator, within the framework of the INVEAT Plan. This equipment incorporates advanced programmes for the fusion of high-resolution images from computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as systems for continuous monitoring and verification of the location of the lesion during irradiation, which is essential for carrying out stereotactic radiosurgery. Two of the four accelerators are equipped to implement this new technique, which is now included in the service portfolio and will benefit the citizens of the Balearic Islands.