Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
Overview
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is an advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers a very high dose of radiation with sub-millimeter accuracy to a precisely defined target — usually in a single session or a few sessions.
Despite the name, it is not an operation. There is no incision, no anesthesia, and no hospital stay. Instead, multiple finely focused radiation beams converge on the tumor while sparing surrounding normal tissue.
SRS is most commonly used in the brain and spine, where even a few millimeters of error can affect critical functions such as vision, speech, or movement.
Where SRS is Used Effectively
SRS is particularly valuable for small, well-defined lesions located near vital structures.
Brain Tumors
Brain metastases (from lung, breast, melanoma, kidney cancers)
Meningioma
Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)
Pituitary adenoma
Selected gliomas and residual tumors after surgery
Functional Disorders
Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain)
Certain movement disorders (selected cases)
Vascular Malformations
Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
Spine Lesions
Spinal metastases
Recurrent tumors near spinal cord
Because of its precision, SRS is often chosen when surgery is risky or not possible.
Indications
SRS is generally recommended when:
Tumor size is small (usually < 3–4 cm)
Lesion is near critical brain structures
Patient is medically unfit for surgery
Tumor persists after surgery
Cancer has spread to brain in limited numbers (oligometastases)
Pain syndromes resistant to medication (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia)
It may be used as a curative, consolidative, or palliative treatment depending on the disease.
Benefits of SRS
Compared to conventional surgery or whole-brain radiation, SRS offers major advantages:
Non-invasive (no cuts, stitches, or ICU stay)
Outpatient procedure (same-day discharge)
Minimal interruption of daily life
Extremely precise targeting
Preservation of memory and cognitive function
Lower complication risk
High local tumor control rates
Can be repeated if necessary
Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
How the Procedure Works
High-resolution MRI/CT imaging maps the tumor in 3D
Computer planning calculates beam angles and dose
Immobilization ensures no movement
Multiple radiation beams converge on the target
Treatment delivered in 30–90 minutes
Normal brain receives only a very small radiation dose.
Expertise of Dr. Rajesh Natte
Dr. Rajesh Natte, a specialist in precision radiation oncology, has extensive experience in advanced stereotactic treatments including SRS and SBRT.
Using modern technologies such as:
Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
High-resolution MRI fusion planning
Adaptive dose optimization
Sub-millimeter immobilization systems
he is able to target tumors with extreme accuracy while protecting nearby critical structures like optic nerves, brainstem, and spinal cord.
This expertise allows:
Effective treatment of previously inoperable tumors
Avoidance of open brain surgery in many cases
Better preservation of neurological function
Faster patient recovery
Conclusion
Stereotactic Radiosurgery represents one of the most important advances in modern oncology — combining the effectiveness of surgery with the safety of non-invasive treatment.
With advanced planning systems and clinical expertise, Dr. Rajesh Natte provides world-class stereotactic treatment, offering patients precise tumor control with minimal disruption to their lives.