Endoscopic Surgery in Nonhydrocephalous Third Ventricular Colloid Cysts: A Feasibility Study

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic neurosurgery for patients with third ventricular colloid cysts but without ventriculomegaly. Methods Seventy-one patients with third ventricular colloid cysts were identified and recruited to this study. Eighteen of these patients did not have concomitant hydrocephalus and underwent primary endoscopic surgery for cyst resection. The surgical technique, the success rate, and patients' outcome were assessed and compared with another 53 patients with hydrocephalus who underwent similar procedures. Our study was performed in a retrospective basis, although in middle of our work we decided to study and follow nonhydrocephalus cases prospectively. Results The ventricular compartments were successfully cannulated and gross total resection and near total resection of the colloid cysts was achieved in all patients. There were no persistent operative complications related to the endoscopic procedure. The success rate for endoscopic surgery in patients without hydrocephalus was similar to its value in patients with hydrocephalus. Conclusions Endoscopic resection of third ventricular colloid cyst in patients without hydrocephalus seems to be feasible, effective, and not contraindicated.