Outcome of trans-cortical trans-ventricular approach for colloid cyst of the third ventricle: a study of eleven cases

Objective: To assess the immediate surgical outcome of Trans-cortical Trans-ventricular approach for colloid cyst of brain. Material and Methods: This study was condcuted on 11 consecutive patients with colloid cyst of 3rd ventricular presented to the Department of Neurosurgery, Government Lady Reading hospital Peshawar from March 2008 to March 2009. Patients presented with different clinical scenario were operated via Trans-cortical Trans-ventricular approach. All patients were followed up for six months. Results: A total of 11 patients were operated in one calendar year. Male to female ratio was 4.5:1 with the mean age of 28 years. All patients presented with headache and Papilloedema. Nine patients were operated from the right side while two were approached from left side due to ipsilateral uni-ventricular dilatation. Mean hospital stay of patients was six days. Mild intra ventricular hemorrhage was noted in 3 cases (27.3%) and treated conservatively. Minor wound infection (9.1%), post operative seizures (9.1%), subgaleal hematoma (9.1%) and subdural hematoma (9.1%) were the main complications. No mortality occurred. Conclusion: Trans-cortical Trans-ventricular approach is reasonably safe for patients with colloid cyst of brain. However well planned larger scale studies are required to study the early and late outcome of Trans-cortical Trans-ventricular approach