COLLOID CYST OF THE THIRD VENTRICLE

ENDOSCOPIC EXCISION

Abstract

Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid shunting or microsurgical resection of the colloid cysts of the third ventricle have long been a standard treatment. The emergence of neuroendoscopy has lead to its application in various neurosurgical problems. Colloid cyst of the third ventricle is one such pathology where endoscopic treatment has been performed with great clinical success during the past decade. We now Although considered less efficacious than microsurgical excision endoscopic excision is less invasive and much simpler.
Objectives: (1) to assess the extent of excision (2) to assess the morbid anatomy of the colloid cyst (3) to assess the risk of complications (4) to assess the functional outcome. Period: Eight years (Jul 2001-June 2009) Materials and Methods: Endoscopic resections of 15 colloid cysts of the third ventricle with obstruction of Foramina of Monroe in all cases. Results: Total removal was achieved in 10 (66.7%) cases. In 5 (33.3%) patients the colloid material was evacuated completely while the remnant of the capsule adherent to its origin was left behind. Two (13.3%) patients developed meningitis one week postoperatively and one died
subsequently. Nine (60%) patients had excellent recovery as the symptoms were relieved during a period of 3 to 24 months. Five (33.3%) of the total patients required ventriculoperitoneal shunt for obstructivey drocephalus which developed with in 2 weeks after surgery. One out of the total number of patients deteriorated postoperatively on the existing neurological deficit. There has not been any recurrence until now with subtotal excision of the capsule. Conclusions: Keyhole surgery under endoscopic visual control offers an alternative, very effective minimally invasive approach for the excision of colloid cyst of the third ventricle and is likely to replace microsurgical resection as a standard procedure.