Endoscopic colloid cyst excision: surgical techniques and nuances.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic excision of colloid cysts is currently well established as a minimally invasive and highly effective technique that is associated with less morbidity in comparison to microsurgical resection.

METHODS: Operative charts and videos of patients undergoing endoscopic colloid cyst excision were retrieved from the senior author's database of endoscopic procedures and reviewed. This revealed nine trans-foraminal and three trans-septal procedures. Description of the surgical techniques was then formulated.

CONCLUSIONS: Variation of the technique is based on the specific patho-anatomical features of the colloid cyst being resected. For the trans-foraminal approach, we think that the rotational technique is associated with a more complete removal of the cyst wall and consequently lower recurrence rate.