Treatment of colloid cyst of the third ventricle by stereotactic aspiration followed by radiosurgery: Report of four cases

BACKGROUND: Colloid cysts are rare benign lesions with potentially devastating results. Complications intra and posttreatment can result in high rates of recurrence. Stereotactic radiosurgery may present an attractive option for decreasing the rate of recurrence in conjunction with stereotactic aspiration. CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we report four cases of colloid cyst of the third ventricle managed by stereotactic aspiration with the use of the Leksell frame followed by stereotactic radiosurgery with the BrainLab/Novalis linear accelerator. Follow-up ranged from 7 to 10 years. There were no complications related to the treatment and no recurrence of the cysts, to date. All four patients remain asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of stereotactic aspiration and radiosurgery may have a role in the management of colloid cysts of the third ventricle.