Microsurgical removal of the third ventricle tumors via transcallosal-interforniceal approach

Objective The purpose of this study is to improve the therapeutic effect of the third ventricle tumors removed via transcallosal-interforniceal approach by exploring the surgieal techniques. Method 12 eases with the third ventricle tumors which were removed by microsurgical techniques via transcallosal-interforniceal approaeh were retrospectively analyzed. Results Total removal, subtotal removal and partial removal of the tumors were achieved in 4 cases, 6 cases and 2 cases respectively. The cases included 5 craniopharyngiomas, 2 teratomas, 2 astrocytomas, 2 germinomas and 1 colloid cyst. Postoperative complications included short term memory disorder, diabetes insipidus and subdural hydroma, each of them occurring in 1 case and being cured. Conclusions The transcallosal-interfomiceal approach is one of the optimal approaches to remove the third ventricle tumors because of its mini-invasion and less complications. Key words: Transcallosal-inteffomiceal approach ;  Third ventricle;  Brain neoplasms;  Microsurgery