Choosing between endoscopic or microscopic removal of third ventricle colloid cysts.

Colloid cysts are benign lesions, found in the anterior part of the roof of the third ventricle. A PubMED search of literature was performed to identify the evidence on different treatment options and surgical approaches for removal of colloid cysts. Evidence on endoscopic versus microsurgical resection of colloid cysts showed that microsurgical approach had significantly higher rates of gross total resection, lower recurrence rate and lower re-operation rate. No significant difference with respect to the mortality rate or the need for a shunt was found between the two groups. However, the overall morbidity rate was lower for the endoscopic group. .