Trascallosal bilateral transforaminal resection of a solid partially calcified colloid cyst: 2D operative video.

Background: Colloid cysts are benign lesions of the roof of the third ventricle, often diagnosed incidentally; sometimes they can cause hydrocephalus due to obstruction of the foramina of Monroe. Symptomatic cysts could be resected either microsurgically (transcallosal or transcortical) or endoscopically. Although both strategies are effective and have advantages and disadvantages, there is no consensus on the choice of the optimal approach. Transcallosal resection, although more invasive than endoscopy, allows adequate bimanual manipulation of the cyst and is associated with high rates of complete resection, the use of neuronavigator and intraoperative ultrasound optimizes surgical trajectory and improves safety of the procedure with complication rates comparable to endoscopy. Endoscopy is less invasive but complete resection of solid cysts can be challenging. Case Description: In Video 1, we show resection of a solid partially calcified colloid cyst using a transcallosal bilateral transforaminal approach to anterior third ventricle male, 65 years old; headache and mild memory impairment for 6 months; admitted at our emergency department because of a brief loss of consciousness. Neurologic examination was normal. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a colloid cyst at the level of anterior third of the third ventricle (1.5 cm in diameter) with hypointense appearance in T2 sequences suggesting a solid calcific component. The ventricular system was enlarged. Colloid cyst risk score 3/5 (diameter >0.7 cm, headache, risk zone I) considered an intermediate-risk subgroup according to Alford Conclusion: Microscopic transcallosal resection of the colloid cyst of the third ventricle allows for complete resection with low complication rates. The use of preoperative 3D planning and integrated neuronavigation with intraoperative ultrasound helps to reduce invasiveness.