Dr. John D. Lipani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and international specialist in stereotactic radiosurgery. Dr. Lipani has extensive training and experience in radiosurgery using CyberKnife and Gamma Knife. Dr. Lipani is the founding director of the Radiosurgery Institute for Non-Invasive Neurosurgery. He published numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and abstracts on radiosurgery and serves as a leading expert in brain and spine radiosurgery on three internationally-recognized advisory review boards.
Radiosurgery is a non-invasive or knifeless procedure that uses high dose radiation with extreme precision to definitively treat intracranial and spinal tumors. Extreme accuracy using radiosurgery directs radiation to the target tumor and away from surrounding healthy tissue. Radiosurgery involves no incisions, no anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis. There is no associated pain with radiosurgery, and there is no recovery time required. Side effects of radiosurgery are minimal, and there is no risk for infection.
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used to treat tumors in the brain and the spine. Commonly treated tumors include primary brain and spine tumors and metastatic brain and spine tumors. In many cases, radiosurgery may be used in place of open brain and spine surgery. In other cases, radiosurgery may be used to treat tumors that are considered inoperable. Furthermore, radiosurgery may be used to avoid potentially harmful radiation therapy treatment. Dr. Lipani practices both open brain and spine surgery and non-invasive radiosurgery. Therefore, all available treatment options will be discussed in an effort to achieve the best results.
The first step in radiosurgery treatment involves obtaining a planning CT scan (i.e., CT/Simulation) and possibly an MRI if required. The two scans are used to identify the size, shape and location of the lesion/tumor along with the surrounding vital structures to be avoided. The imaging studies will then be sent to the treatment planning computer where a team of neurosurgeons will use software to customize the radiosurgery treatment plan. In addition, a customized facemask or body cradle will be constructed to help minimize movement during the treatment and to ensure comfort.
Radiosurgery is usually administered in 1-5 daily fractions over consecutive days. Almost all radiosurgery treatments are given on an outpatient basis, and anesthesia is usually not necessary. There are seldom any side effects, no recovery time and the patient's quality of life is rarely altered.
For more information about non-invasive radiosurgery, contact the office of Dr. John D. Lipani at (609)-890-3400 today!
