Microsurgical treatment of third ventricular colloid cysts by interhemispheric far lateral transcallosal approach-experience of 134 patients

Background: Colloid cysts are rare tumors (incidence 3.2/1 000 000 pear year) located in the anterosuperior part of the third ventricle. In this article, we present our microneurosurgical experience on 134 patients focusing on the nuances of ITA with demonstrative videoclips. Methods: This surgical series is based on the microsurgical experience of the senior author (JH) at 2 Finnish neurosurgical centers (Helsinki and Kuopio, 1980-2007). Surgical anatomy is demonstrated, and the pitfalls of the different surgical steps are analyzed to avoid complications. The series reflects the whole patient profile of Southern and Eastern Finland, without any selection bias. Results: There was no surgical mortality, and morbidity remained mainly transitory among 134 patients treated by ITA. Conclusions: Favorable overall outcome of this series demonstrates that removal of third ventricular colloid cyst via transcallosal approach is a direct and safe way to treat these lesions.