SURG-20. DEVELOPING ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION OF COLLOID CYSTS: A 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE IN 200 PATIENTS

Abstract Endoscopic resection is a legitimate treatment alternative for third ventricular colloid cysts. Increasing experience and the development of new surgical instruments and techniques have allowed this approach to reach clinical prominence. In this study, we review our 25-year experience with endoscopic resection of colloid cysts, assess factors predictive of operative success, and critically analyze our evolving clinical practice. Therefore, a prospective database was used to review all patients that had endoscopic removal of a third ventricular colloid cyst between 1995 and 2021. Demographics, imaging features, presenting symptomatology, operative approach, surgical outcomes, and complications were analyzed in 5-year intervals to determine changing patterns over time. Bivariate analyses were carried out to understand factors predisposing to outcome. Kaplan-Mayer curves were used to analyze time-to-recurrence. Over this 25-year continuum an increase in the proportion of treated patients who were asymptomatic (p < 0.001) was observed. The rate of recurrence and length of stay all decreased over time (p < 0.001) – now, with median length of stay of 1 day. The rate of complete cyst removal (CCR) increased (p < 0.001). Rate of major complications or need for postoperative CSF diversion remained low. Bivariate analyses indicated how incomplete cyst removal (ICR) was associated with recurrence. In conclusion, our 25-year experience posits endoscopic resection as an increasingly safe approach to third ventricular colloid cysts, with low recurrence rates and negligible complications. These results are attributed in-part to a continuous adaptation related to instrumentation, technique, perioperative strategy, and experience.