Background and purpose: The endoscopic approach to colloid cysts of the third ventricle is receiving increasing interest. However, its effectiveness is a matter of discussion. The aim of the study was to present direct and long-term outcome after endoscopy of colloid cyst vs microsurgery.
Material and methods: Medical records of 23 patients with colloid cysts were retrospectively analyzed. This group consists of 10 patients treated endoscopically and 13 patients treated using a transcortical-transventricular approach. Sex and age distributions were similar in both groups. Clinically, symptoms of raised intracranial pressure predominated. All patients had hydrocephalus. Tumour diameter ranged from 1.5 to 3 cm. Mean follow-up period was 31 months.
Results: In 6/10 endoscopically treated patients, tumours were completely removed. In 3 patients, small capsule remnants, adherent to the choroid plexus and veins, were left. In one case, a portion of capsule, obstructing the intraventricular foramen, was finally removed microsurgically. Postoperatively, 2 patients complained of memory deficits, which became permanent in one case. One patient developed temporary mutism. In one case, with symptoms of hydrocephalus without colloid cyst recurrence, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted 6 months after the initial surgery. In all microsurgically treated patients tumours were completely removed. One patient was reoperated because of intracerebral haematoma. Two patients suffered from temporary hemiparesis and 2 developed epilepsy. Within one year after surgery 3 patients were shunted because of hydrocephalus; one patient required antiepileptic treatment.
Conclusions: The endoscopic approach to colloid cysts of the third ventricle is safe, effective and carries a low complication rate. Endoscopy may be recommended as a treatment option.