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.
