Radiosurgery is a non-invasive, precise technique for delivering high doses of radiation to a specific target in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from brain tumors to spinal cord injuries. Mayo Clinic states that the precision of stereotactic radiosurgery means there’s minimal damage to the healthy surrounding tissues.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking radiosurgery with the international hospitals and facilitators for cost-effective treatments with no delay in time.
In this article, we will discuss the significance of radiosurgery, how it differs from radiotherapy, and how medical tourism in India, Singapore, and Malaysia can make it more accessible to patients.
Radiosurgery: a glimpse
Radiosurgery is typically recommended when a patient has a medical condition that cannot be treated with conventional surgery, such as a tumor located in a critical area of the brain or spine. Radiosurgery can be used to treat both benign and malignant tumors, as well as other medical conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and trigeminal neuralgia.
Radiosurgery is significant because it is a non-invasive, precise technique that can offer several benefits to patients, including:
- Targeted treatment: Radiosurgery can precisely target the affected area of the body, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and reducing the risk of side effects.
- Non-invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, radiosurgery does not require incisions or anesthesia, which can reduce the risk of complications and shorten recovery time.
- Effectiveness: Radiosurgery has been shown to be highly effective in treating many medical conditions, with success rates comparable to traditional surgery.
The Valley Hospital states that Gamma Knife radiosurgery has been shown to shrink or prevent tumor growth in 80-90% of cases.
Radiosurgery vs. Radiotherapy
Radiosurgery and radiotherapy are similar in that they both use radiation to treat medical conditions. But, there are certain differences too. Let’s explore them here.
- Dose of radiation: Radiosurgery delivers a high dose of radiation to a specific target in the body, whereas radiotherapy delivers a lower dose of radiation to a larger area.
- Number of treatments: Radiosurgery typically requires only one treatment session, while radiotherapy may require several sessions over several weeks.
- Types of conditions treated: Radiosurgery is typically used to treat small, well-defined targets, such as brain tumors or AVMs, while radiotherapy can be used to treat a wider range of conditions, including cancer.
Medical tourism for radiosurgery
In recent years, India, Singapore, and Malaysia have become popular destinations for medical tourism due to their advanced healthcare facilities, experienced doctors, and affordable prices.
For patients seeking radiosurgery, medical tourism in these countries can offer several benefits, such as:
- Cost savings: Medical treatment in India, Singapore, and Malaysia is often much cheaper than in Western countries, making it more affordable for patients who may not have insurance or who have high out-of-pocket costs.
- Access to experienced doctors: Many hospitals and clinics in these countries employ highly skilled and experienced doctors who have been trained in Western countries and speak English fluently.
- Reduced waiting times: In many cases, patients can receive medical treatment more quickly in India, Singapore, and Malaysia than in their home country, where waiting lists for procedures like radiosurgery can be long.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide opportunities to patients seeking radiosurgery treatments to combine their treatment with vacation at these exotic locations, so that they can relax and recover faster.
In conclusion, radiosurgery is a non-invasive, precise technique that can offer several benefits to patients with a wide range of medical conditions. For those seeking this treatment, medical tourism in India, Singapore, and Malaysia can provide access to affordable, high-quality medical care and experienced doctors.