Colloid cysts of the third ventricle. Open operative approach or stereotactic aspiration?

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle can cause hydrocephalus if they grow to the point where they occlude the foramina interventricularia. The operative approach via a craniotomy used to be the common method of treating these lesions. Now, in the era of CT- and MR-scanning, stereotactic aspiration should be preferred as an ideal method of simultaneously diagnosing and treating colloid cysts. Unlike open surgery, aspiration of colloid masses poses hardly any risk for the patient. Ten cases successfully treated by this technique are presented.