Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle: Long-Term Results of Endoscopic Management in a Series of 112 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: The endoscopic approach increasingly is used to treat third ventricular colloid cysts. Our objective was to assess the results of endoscopic resection of colloid cysts of the third ventricle.

METHODS: A retrospective study was designed, and a series of 112 consecutive patients (76 male, 36 female) with third ventricular colloid cyst treated by endoscopic surgery was undertaken.

RESULTS: We found that the most common clinical presentations in patients with third ventricular colloid cyst were headache, vomiting, and impaired vision. Complete resection was obtained in majority of patients (92%). Meningitis, hemiparesis, and memory deficits occurred most commonly as postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS: High rates of complete resection of third ventricular colloid cysts, with low morbidity and mortality, are possible with an endoscopic approach. The results of this study support the role of endoscopic resection in the treatment of patients with third ventricular colloid cysts as a safe and effective modality and show how endoscopic resection of third ventricular colloid cysts can produce favorable results.