Abstract: Objective To understand the experience of undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery in patients with intracranial tumor, and to provide reference for nursing intervention. Methods The purpose sampling method was adopted, 12 patients with intracranial tumors treated with gamma knife radiosurgery were interviewed from June 2023 to September 2023 by semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results After the analysis of the interview data, 6 themes were extracted: (1) Feelings when diagnosed: shock and confusion, fear, and anxiety; (2) Response after diagnosis: Seeking help and medical treatment proactively; (3) Attitude towards gamma knife treatment: hesitancy, compliance with the doctor, and acceptance; (4) Feelings during treatment: pain, sense of stigma, claustrophobia, comfort and relaxation, andawarmth and care; (5) Internal and external coping style during treatment: internal coping (endurance and avoidance, mindfulness meditation, distraction, and physical relaxation); external coping (support from family, friends, and medical staff, and social support); (6) Feeling after treatment: relief, accept what happened, and hope for new life. Conclusion During different stages of gamma knife radiosurgery, patients with intracranial tumors exhibit dynamic changes in emotions, characterized by a negative-positive-negative-positive curve. Their level of understanding and acceptance of the treatment gradually improves. Patients are able to mobilize both internal and external support systems to actively cope with discomfort and negative emotions during treatment. It is important to understand the emotional and cognitive characteristics of patients at different stages and provide support to help them cope positively, thereby reducing their fear, anxiety, pain, and other adverse reactions to the disease and treatment, and facilitating the successful completion of the treatment.

Key words: intracranial tumor, gamma knife radiosurgery, therapeutic experience, qualitative research