Surgery of the Tumors in the Ventricular System

Objective : The authors study on the clinical presentations and the surgical outcomes of the tumors in the ventricular system. Methods : 15 patients with ventricular tumor were studied. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, different surgical approaches, and outcome were analyzed. Tumors were classified into three groups based on their locations in MRI : lateral, third and fourth ventricle. Surgical methods were transcortical approach in eight patients, transcallosal approach in four, median suboccipital approach in two, and subfrontal approach in one. Gross total removal was achieved in 10 patients. Subtotal resections were performed in the rest. Glasgow outcome scale was used for evaluation of the surgical outcome. Results : Main clinical presentations were chronic headache in patients with the tumor in the lateral ventricular tumor and sudden onset of headache and consciousness change in patients with the tumor in the third and fourth ventricular tumor Development of hydrocephalus was more predominant in patients with the tumors in the third ventricle. Postoperatively, good outcome [Glasgow outcome scale IV, V] were in 73%, and better results was observed in patients with the tumors in the lateral ventricular tumor. The differences of outcome according to surgical approach were not recognized, even though it was not reliable statistically. Conclusion : In ventricular tumor, postoperative outcome is not good in patients with sudden development of headache, hydrocephalus, high grade tumor. Outcome is good in patients with the tumor in the lateral ventricle relatively. There is no difference in outcome according to the approach method to the tumors. And it is necessary to be aware of various approach methods to the tumors and anatomy surrounding the ventricle for avoidance of neurological complications.