In the fast-evolving field of neurosurgery, few innovations have transformed treatment outcomes like Gamma Knife surgery. During my recent visit to Mumbai, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Manish Baldia, a leading Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and neurosurgeon known for his expertise in Gamma Knife surgery in Mumbai. His clinic, located in one of the city’s advanced medical hubs, combines state-of-the-art neuroimaging technology with compassionate, patient-centric care.
Dr. Baldia’s calm demeanor and clarity while explaining complex neurological concepts were remarkable. “Neurosurgery today is less about large incisions and more about precision-guided therapy,” he said, emphasizing that Gamma Knife technology represents this evolution perfectly—offering treatment without the need for a traditional surgical blade.
Dr. Baldia completed his MBBS and MCh in Neurosurgery from premier medical institutes in India, followed by fellowship training in Functional Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery abroad. With over 15 years of surgical experience, his work spans Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease, Gamma Knife radiosurgery for brain tumors, and neurofunctional restoration in movement disorders.
He has performed numerous successful cases where Gamma Knife surgery was used to treat conditions like brain metastases, acoustic neuromas, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and trigeminal neuralgia—conditions once thought to require invasive open surgery. His clinic is equipped with advanced MRI-compatible planning systems and real-time imaging that allow for sub-millimeter accuracy during procedures.
During my visit, I observed that the facility operated more like a precision laboratory than a traditional operating theater—reflecting the future of minimally invasive neurosurgery.
Gamma Knife surgery in Mumbai refers to a form of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) that uses precisely targeted radiation beams to treat brain lesions without opening the skull. Despite its name, it involves no cutting. Instead, 192 beams of low-dose gamma radiation converge on the target area, delivering a high dose precisely where needed while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
Dr. Baldia explained that this technique is ideal for patients who are not suitable for open surgery due to medical conditions or advanced age. “Gamma Knife provides remarkable control for small, deep-seated lesions that are difficult to reach surgically. It offers excellent results with minimal discomfort and short recovery time,” he shared.
Patients typically go home the same day, avoiding hospital stays, sutures, and significant downtime—an aspect that makes the technology increasingly popular among urban professionals and senior citizens alike.
In India, several eminent neurosurgeons have pioneered the use of Gamma Knife and related neurosurgical techniques:
Globally, Dr. Douglas Kondziolka and Dr. L. Dade Lunsford are internationally acclaimed experts in Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Both have contributed extensively to refining its protocols for neurological and oncological disorders.
Each of these specialists, including Dr. Baldia, emphasizes evidence-based selection of patients and precise radiation planning to maximize success and minimize risk.