Resection of third ventricle tumors via transcallosal interforniceal approach

Objective To explore t he microsurgical skills for third ventricle tumors via transcallosal interforniceal approach.Methods Twenty four patients with third ventricle tumors,10 out of them being located in the anterior portion of the third ventricle,12 in the middle portion and 2 in the posterior portion,underwent tumor resection via transcallosal interforniceal approach.Results Total resection of third ventricle tumors was achieved in 20 cases,subtotal resection in 3 and partial resection in 1.The pathological examination revealed 9 craniopharyngiomas,7 colloid cysts,4 astrocytomas,2 ependymocytomas,1 glioblastoma and 1 teratoma.Postoperative short-term memory disturbance occurred and recovered within 2 months in 6 patients.Transient diabetes insipidus was seen in 5 patients and the symptoms disappeared after treatment for 1-2 weeks.Mutism appeared and recovered in one month in 2 patients.Four patients had hydrocephalus,3 out of them underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt with good recovery,and the treatment was given up in the other one because of no improvement of preoperative coma.Conclusion The transcallosal interforniceal approach is an ideal choice for tumors locating at the anterior and middle portion of third ventricle because of the high resection rate,low postoperative complications and minimal mortality.