Transcortical-transventricular approach in colloid cysts of the third ventricle: surgical experience with 26 cases.

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle account for 0.5-2% of all intracranial tumors. The treatment of these benign tumors remains controversial, and the best surgical option has not yet been determined. Between 1995 and 2002, 27 patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle presented at our clinic. Twenty-six underwent transcortical-transventricular approaches. One refused surgical treatment. There was no surgical mortality. The main morbidity was epileptic seizures in two patients. Overall outcome was good in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 3.4 years. There were no tumor recurrences. The transcortical-transventricular approach can be used safely to excise third ventricle colloid cysts with low risk of mortality and morbidity.