'Zap-X' technology saves tumor patient from risk of deafness

Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Hospital has used the robotic gyroscopic radiosurgery device Zap-X for the first time, preventing hearing loss in a 64-year-old patient at risk of deafness due to a tumor on her auditory nerves.

One of the first patients treated with Zap-X was 64-year-old retired English teacher Günsel Karaca, who had been battling a tumor on her hearing and balance nerves.

Thanks to the Zap-X treatment, the growth of the tumor was halted, and Karaca was saved from the risk of losing her hearing entirely.

Prof. Dr. Gökhan Özyiğit, Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, highlighted several features of Zap-X that allow for precise treatments.

Stating that Günsel Karaca had a tumor known as an "acoustic neuroma," Özyiğit continued:

"This is a tumor that is problematic to remove surgically, especially as it involves the auditory nerve. Patients usually present to us with hearing loss. Surgical procedures in that area for these tumors can cause further hearing loss. With the Zap-X device, we can easily treat such tumors. We may not be able to reverse existing hearing loss, but we can prevent further deterioration and bring the tumor's growth to a standstill."

Prof. Dr. Özyiğit emphasized that while acoustic neuroma is benign, it can cause serious health problems by pressing on the brainstem as it grows. Özyiğit also noted that Zap-X is a treatment method where patients can listen to music and return to their normal lives immediately after the procedure.

Özyiğit continued as follows:

"Our patient, Ms. Günsel, had acoustic neuromas of approximately 1 centimeter on both her right and left sides. She had 11 percent hearing on the right side and a 20 percent hearing loss on the left. We chose to treat one with Zap-X first, and the other the following day. The treatment duration takes an average of half an hour. During this half-hour process, we perform our patient's treatment without any scalpel or general anesthesia. With this method, we can achieve nearly 100 percent disease control, and our patient's hearing will not get any worse."

Noting that patients can listen to music of their choice during treatment and return to their normal lives on the same day, Özyiğit emphasized that treatment with Zap-X is performed using ionizing radiation and that no surgical procedure is involved.

Emphasizing her great happiness that the progression of her disease has been stopped, Günsel Karaca said, "My initial complaints started 6 years ago with hearing loss. At first, I didn't pay much attention, but later I started experiencing vertigo attacks, burning sensations inside my ear, and balance problems."

Expressing her happiness after the treatment, Karaca said that the treatment process caused her no difficulties and that she was able to return to her normal life quickly.