Figure 1: The typical location of a small colloid cyst in the coronal and sagittal planes. Colloid cysts are intimately associated with the choroid plexus along the rostral roof of the third ventricle. Despite their small size, they can cause massive obstructive hydrocephalus.

Figure 2: Colloid cysts do not usually enhance but demonstrate T1 isointensity. On T2 weighted images, they show hyperintensity compared to white matter with a circumferential rim of hypointensity (upper row). A large hemorrhagic colloid cyst is also demonstrated (lower row).

Figure 3: Most operators prefer to place the patient in the supine position and use linear or horseshoe incisions. The craniotomy is situated two-thirds in front and one-third behind the coronal suture (top image). This position keeps the midline in the anatomic position, and most neurosurgeons find this configuration less disorienting during the deeper portions of the operation. I prefer to use the lateral head position with the sagittal sinus parallel to the floor (bottom image). Gravity retraction is effective and interhemispheric dissection can be performed more readily along the horizontal plane.

Figure 4: The basic principles of the anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach are illustrated. Despite the presence of mild hydrocephalus, I may use lumbar drainage to minimize brain retraction during interhemispheric dissection. Moderate to significant hydrocephalus demand an external ventricular drain after dural opening through the craniotomy exposure and before the interhemispheric dissection is undertaken. The anteroposterior location of the craniotomy may be slightly adjusted based on the location of the lesion within the ventricle. The reach of this approach is shaded in green (inset image).

Figure 5: The pathoanatomy of the cyst in relation to the columns of fornix and internal cerebral veins is demonstrated. The posterior capsule of the cyst may be adherent to the internal cerebral veins. This is an operative blind spot within the posterior aspect of the foramen. Careful circumdissection is advised, and the capsule should not be pulled out of the resection cavity without its sharp dissection.

Figure 6: The exposure of the correct ventricle is confirmed based on the relative location of the choroid plexus with respect to the thalamostriate vein (upper illustration). Note the head is in the lateral position with the right side "down." The cyst may not be visible upon entering the lateral ventricle because the choroid plexus and the right fornix cover its capsule (lower photo). I gently mobilize the anterior aspect of the choroid plexus over the foramen and shrink it with gentle bipolar coagulation.

Although initially there seems to be an inadequate working space within the foramen, the puncture of the cyst and thorough evacuation of its gelatinous content will create ample space for microdissection of its capsule. In rare circumstances, the septal vein may be disconnected from the thalamostriate vein to expand the transforaminal corridor via a small anterior transchoroidal dissection. This maneuver obviates the need to excessive manipulation of the fornix.

Figure 7: The anterior aspect of the choroid plexus is reduced through its mobilization and coagulation (upper illustration). Dynamic retraction is used and fixed retractors are voided. Only ~1-1.5 cm of callosotomy is typically necessary for resection of a colloid cyst (middle intraoperative photo). The herniation of the septum pellucidum into the operative field (lower intraoperative photo-blue arrow) indicates noncommunicating hydrocephalus of the contralateral ventricle. I fenestrate the septum pellucidum to relieve the pressure in the contralateral chamber, reducing the septum out of my operative space.

Figure 8: Opening of the cyst wall and aggressive suctioning of its internal contents is pertinent for cyst decompression, exposure and mobilization of its capsule during circumdissection.

Figure 9: The capsule is thoroughly deflated and is readily dissected first anteriorly, next laterally, and finally posteriorly from the choroid plexus and other neurovascular structures along the roof of the third ventricle. The capsule is primarily adherent along the choroidal fissure.

Figure 10: The capsule may be coagulated to shrink its size. The fornix should not be manipulated at all cost. The suction device should not injure the surrounding normal structures. I remove the capsule en bloc, not piecemeal.

Figure 11: The capsule is disconnected from the choroid plexus and internal cerebral veins using sharp microdissection under direct vision. Some bleeding from the plexus is usually evident; gentle coagulation and ample irrigation avoid collateral injury to nonpathologic structures. The septum pellucidum may be fenestrated if significant preoperative hydrocephalus was present.