How to Treat a Colloid Cyst

A colloid cyst is a benign tumor that's commonly situated near the center of the brain, particularly within the 3rd ventricle. When this slow growing tumor increases in size over time, it can block the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), causing it to accumulate into the ventricles of the brain (hydrocephalus)--leading to an increased intracranial pressure and possibly coma or death if left untreated. Most patients with colloid cyst often suffer from headaches, weakness of the upper or lower extremities, or loss of consciousness. Adults in their 50s and 60s are prone to having this type of tumor and in rare cases, children can also develop colloid cyst where in there is a higher risk of developing serious complications.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Perform an open microsurgical procedure or craniotomy to remove the cyst--a procedure that's beneficial for symptomatic patients or for those with large colloid cyst but do not show any signs of hydrocephalus. This method otherwise known as microcraniotomy interhemispheric microsurgical cyst removal, uses the latest and modernized image fusion device and neuronavigation technology that enables neurosurgeons to operate and remove a colloid cyst without causing any damage on the surroundings tissues of the brain. Because the cyst is located at the center and deep into the cranial tissues, the entire procedure takes longer than any other definitive surgical procedures for the removal of the cyst.

2. Execute endoscopic technique to treat colloid cyst--a less invasive technique compared to craniotomy. This is a highly refined procedure that only requires very small openings around the cranial bone to allow drainage or complete removal of the colloid cyst deep into the brain.

3. Administer the 11.5-mm sleeve transcortical microsurgical removal of the colloid cyst. This surgical procedure is done with incisions that are of the same size as the ones in endoscopy--but sleeve technique utilizes a wide range of highly up-to-date mircosurgical instruments compared to endoscopic technique. Using a more advanced imaging and neuronavigation technology, neurosurgeons are able to choose a safer pathway that minimizes injury of the surroundings brain tissues upon removal of the colloid cyst.

4. 

   Apply treatment using the colloid cyst resection. This is a procedure where in neurosurgeons slice a small incision of about an inch long, behind the hairline of the patient. From here, an illuminated fiber-optic flexible instrument (endoscope) is inserted into the ventricles of the brain and is navigated on the very area to where the tumor is at. When the tumor is located, an electrical current is then applied on its walls to for the purpose of coagulating it. With a sharp dissection, the cyst is then opened, followed by elimination of its contents through the use of suction catheters. Then, the entire cyst wall is removed and its small remaining particles are destroyed using an electrical current. The endoscope is then removed , followed by the closure of the incision. All in all, the resection method takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and the patient is able to get out of the hospital within 1 to 2 days considering the absence of complications.

5. Do surgical placement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. Treatment of colloid cyst may require ventricular shunt if the removal of the cyst is too risky due to an overly high intra-cranial pressure. It is also recommended if hydrocephalus persists even after the colloid cyst is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you happen to experience any of the colloid symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Early treatment must be conducted right away to avoid complications that may lead to coma or death.