Читать книгу Leksell Radiosurgery - Группа авторов - Страница 106

Following the completion of the Gamma Knife procedure, the nurse assists in the removal of the stereotactic head frame and applies a dressing to the pin sites. Betadine ointment and Telfa will be placed on the posterior pin sites. Steri strips are placed over the anterior pin sites then covered with band aids. 4 × 4 gauze is used to cover all four pin sites and then a Kerlix roll is used to wrap the head like a turban to apply pressure to the pin sites. The head wrap may seem excessive but we have found that it helps the patient transition from having the head frame on to having the head frame removed. Rarely, superficial scalp bleeding requires a suture at the pin site. Postoperative mild analgesics are administered orally as needed for headache. Mask-based patients do not require a dressing postoperatively. Most patients receive a single intravenous dose of corticosteroid to reduce the rare instance of postprocedure swelling in the region of the brain target. As the patient recovers in the Gamma Suite, accompanying family members are reunited with the patient. Prior to departure, the surgeon and nurse meet with the patient and their family to discuss the procedure, the time of the next follow-up appointment, and any postprocedure adjustment in medications or prescriptions.