Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Fundamentals and A Historical Vignette

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a minimally invasive neurosurgical technique that allows, through the administration of high doses of ionizing radiation, the treatment of intracranial lesions. A detailed review was carried out on its historical development, from the early origins of radiological technology to the physical foundations of ionizing radiation. The evolution of the main prototypes is described, such as the Gamma Knife, adapted linear accelerator (LINAC), and the robotic CyberKnife (Accuray Inc., Madison, WI, USA), emphasizing their technical characteristics, clinical results, and indications in clinical practice. Nowadays, SRS is a valuable complement to conventional neurosurgery, offering a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of lesions in eloquent brain areas, where open surgery would involve greater risks.