The authors present basic information on the possible use of Leksell’s gamma knife in the treatment of brain tumours. Patients with brain tumours account for 70 % of patients treated by radiosurgery. The most frequent type of tumour are metastatic tumours (25 %) and meningiomas (24.4 %), followed by adenomas of the pituitary and neurinomas of the VIIIth nerve. The use of stereotactic radiosur- gery in the treatment of brain tumours depends on the site, size and histological nature of the tumour as well as on the age and general condition of the patient. The authors mention diagnostic, aimed and control examinations of the patients. The objective of treatment by stereotactic surgery is to check the size of the tumour, regression of cerebral oedema along with stabilization and improve- ment of the patients’ clinical condition. The advantage of the method is a minimal morbidity and mortality.

        Key words: stereotactic radiosurgery - gamma knife - brain tumours