Microsurgical resection of the tumors of the third ventricle in children

Objective To retrospectively analyze the efficacy of surgical treatment of the tumors of the third ventricle in children. Methods Clinical data of 17 children underwent microsurgical resection of the tumors of the third ventricle were analyzed retrospectively. The 17 patients, including 10males and 7 females,aged from 1 year to 14 years old (mean age,8. 3 years). Course of diseases ranged from 1 to 33monthes (average course, 9 months). Seventeen children were performed microsurgical tumor resection via transcallosal-interforniceal approach or trans-lamina terminalis approach. Nine patients were pathologically diagnosed as craniopharyngioma,4 as teratoma, 3 as germinoma, and 1 as astrocytoma. Results The tumors were totally removed in 8 cases,subtotally in 7 cases and partially in 2cases without any death. Postoperative complications were noted in 11 cases. Conclusions The good outcomes of microsurgical resection of the tumors of the third ventricle can be achieved with careful preoperative prepare and evaluation, proper surgical approach and postoperative management. The transcallosal-interforniceal approach is a good surgical approach for the microsurgical resection of the tumors of the third ventricle, by which a clear operative field can be gained and facilitates the following tumor exposure and resection. Key words: Brain neoplasms;  Microsurgery;  Third ventricle