RTHP-03. FRAME-BASED AND MASKED STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY: A PATIENT EXPERIENCE COMPARISON WITH THE GAMMA KNIFE ICON

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION Patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for intracranial pathology have two treatment options: frame-based (FB) versus masked (MB). There is sparse information on a patient’s experience between the two types and to what extent a patient’s diagnosis will predict their SRS experience. METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients who completed a questionnaire of their experience after SRS using the Gamma Knife Icon was completed. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients completed the questionnaire, 60% were FB and 40% MB. The average age was 63.3 + 15.3 years, 40% were male. Of the patients treated with a FB technique, 51% didn’t find SRS to be uncomfortable. Comparatively, 91% of MB patients didn’t find SRS to be uncomfortable. Patients who underwent FB treatment rated their pain of frame placement on a visual analog scale (VAS) 1–3, 24%, VAS 4–6, 46%, VAS 7–10, 30%. Eight patients answered that they didn’t tolerate the procedure as expected, most of which were treated using a FB method (87%). Compared to previous surgery or SRS, five patients found their experience of SRS wasn’t tolerable, while 93% of patients would consider repeat SRS. All patients treated felt adequately informed about the procedure. The patient experience of discomfort during SRS and their evaluation of pain during frame placement between patients treated for benign versus malignant lesions (discomfort: 59% vs. 22%, respectively and median VAS pain: 6 + 2.67, 4.5 + 1.99, respectively) determined a benign diagnosis had more discomfort during SRS compared to a malignant diagnosis. Pain during frame placement was similar for both diagnoses. CONCLUSION Patients experienced frame-based SRS as more uncomfortable than mask-based treatment. Benign pathologies appeared to have more discomfort compared to malignant pathologies. All patients of both techniques felt adequately informed about their procedure.