Endoscopic Resection of Third Ventricular Colloid Cyst

Introduction Colloid cysts usually arise in the third ventricle. They cause obstructive hydrocephalus by blocking one or both foramen of Monro. Cases of sudden death were reported in presence of colloid cyst. Different surgical approaches exist for the resection of this pathology. The most popular approaches are the transcortical transcallosal approach to the third ventricle. The other approach is endoscopic transcortical transventricular approach. Aim of the Work To assess the success rate of the endoscopic technique in resecting the colloid cyst and the incidence of complications. Materials and Methods Twelve cases of third ventricular colloid cysts were operated upon in the period between 2004 and 2015 in Cairo University Hospital. The early cases were done using standard Kocher burr hole point and the later cases with a more anteriorly placed burr hole using neuronavigation guidance. Results Reoperation was needed in one case. Intraoperative shift to microsurgery was done in one case. One case had postoperative infection and was managed by the external ventricular drain. No mortality or permanent morbidity was encountered in this study. Conclusion Endoscopic resection of colloid cyst is safe and effective and avoids complications of the microsurgical techniques.