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The advantages associated with Gamma Knife treatment are numerous. Unlike traditional neurosurgery, prolonged hospitalization is avoided and the effects of a general anesthetic are eliminated.  Patients unable to undergo brain surgery because of their underlying medical condition can undergo Gamma Knife surgery with minimal risk.  Costs are usually a fraction of the cost of traditional open surgery, and are even more favorable when the cost of dealing with immediate post-operative complications is considered.

Since the Gamma Knife does not result in immediate destruction of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or brain tumor, follow-up evaluations and imaging studies at regular intervals are essential in order to determine whether the condition treated is responding as expected.  Outcomes differ by various factors, including type, size and location of tumor. Studies have been published throughout the years that detail these outcomes.