Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)

At Providence, we’re proud to offer a breakthrough procedure in brain tumor treatment: laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT).

During this minimally invasive treatment, our skilled neurosurgeons use precise laser energy to target and destroy tumors while sparing healthy tissue – helping you heal more quickly and return to your everyday life.

LITT Treatment Overview

LITT is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to treat tumors that are difficult to reach or located in sensitive areas, like the brain. Rather than removing the tumor through open surgery, LITT uses a small probe through an incision in the scalp to deliver controlled laser heat directly to the tumor, causing abnormal tissue to break down and shrink over time.

The procedure is guided by real-time MRI imaging, allowing the care team to monitor accuracy throughout treatment. LITT may be recommended when traditional surgery isn’t possible, when tumors are small and localized or when other treatments haven’t been effective.

Our experienced neurosurgeons work closely with neuro-oncology, oncology, radiology, pathology and your entire care team to create a care plan tailored to your needs, minimize risks and ease your recovery.

What to Expect from LITT

At Providence, we’ll help you prepare for LITT with care and clarity. From pre-op planning to recovery and follow-up treatment, your team will guide you through each step – combining surgical expertise with whole-person support you can trust.

doctor placing hand on patient's shoulder

About a week before surgery, we'll schedule a pre-admission visit to:

  • Assist with any remaining pre-surgical lab work or tests
  • Review what will happen during your surgery
  • Explain potential side effects
  • Discuss medications and post-surgery care, including in-home help or equipment if needed

You'll receive information to prepare for your hospital admission. If you have any questions after your pre-admission appointment, you can reach out to your nurse or care coordinator, who will be happy to help.

Most people can go home the same day or after spending a night or two in the hospital. It’s common to feel tired or have a mild headache, swelling or soreness where the laser was inserted.

Some patients notice temporary changes in memory, balance or speech, which usually decrease over time. Your care team will help manage any side effects and let you know when it’s safe to ease back into your normal routine. In fact, many people start feeling better within a few days.

LITT allows neurosurgeons to treat tumors in delicate or hard-to-reach areas without the need for traditional open surgery. Because the procedure uses a small incision and precisely controlled laser heat, there is often less risk to surrounding healthy tissue, fewer complications and a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery.

For some patients, LITT can relieve symptoms caused by tumor growth or provide a treatment option when other approaches aren’t possible.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Fluid buildup in the brain
  • Incomplete tumor treatment or recurrence
  • Infection
  • Seizures
  • Swelling in or around the brain
  • Temporary or permanent neurological changes

Your care team will talk with you about these risks, answer your questions and help you make an informed decision that reflects your goals.

You’ll have several follow-up appointments for the first few weeks after your procedure. This helps us monitor your healing and manage any complications.

As time goes on, your appointments will be less frequent, but regular checkups are required so we can continue to manage any of your ongoing treatment needs and watch for any signs of recurrence.

Our nurse navigators are also available to help you through every stage of treatment – from consult to survivorship.

Find Care That's Close to You

Frequently Asked Questions

Your care team will talk with you about your diagnosis, medical history and treatment goals to help determine if LITT is the right choice for you.

LITT may be a treatment option for you if you have:

  • A tumor in a delicate or hard-to-reach area, such as deep within the brain
  • Epilepsy caused by focal brain lesions
  • Radiation necrosis

Your provider may also suggest LITT if:

  • Other treatments haven’t been effective
  • Traditional surgery isn’t recommended due to the tumor’s size, location or your overall health

Traditional brain surgery often requires a large opening in the skull to access the tumor. Instead of a large opening, LITT uses a tiny incision and a small laser probe to precisely target and destroy the tumor. The entire procedure is guided by real-time MRI imaging, which means greater accuracy and control for your surgeon.

Because LITT is minimally invasive, it usually leads to less pain, fewer risks, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.

Recovery after LITT is usually quicker and easier than recovery from traditional brain surgery. Most people can return home within 24 hours. You may feel tired for a few days after the procedure, and you could have mild headaches, swelling or soreness where the laser was inserted.

Some people notice short-term changes in memory, thinking, balance or speech, depending on where the tumor was located. These effects are typically temporary and tend to improve over time.

Your care team will talk with you about what’s normal, what to watch for and how to manage any side effects at home.

Some people experience temporary changes in memory, thinking, speech or balance after LITT. These effects depend on where the tumor is located in the brain and how your body responds to treatment. For most patients, these changes are mild and improve over time as the brain heals.

Your care team will check in with you regularly and watch for any changes.

If you do notice issues, they’ll work with you to manage symptoms and, if needed, connect you with rehabilitation experts. Most people find that any neurological side effects gradually fade, and they can return to their usual activities.

Most Providence locations offer inpatient rehabilitation programs led by rehabilitation experts. Check with your care team to see if we offer this support service at a nearby location.

After your LITT procedure, your care team will schedule follow-up appointments and imaging – usually an MRI – to see how the tumor responded to treatment. In some cases, additional treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy or another LITT procedure may be recommended based on your diagnosis and how your body reacts to the procedure.

We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include: