METHODS: Twenty-two cases with supratentorial intraventricular tumors treated in our clinic between 1996 and 2002 are reviewed retrospectively. The tumor was localized to the third ventricle in 7 patients, and to the lateral ventricles in 15 patients.

RESULTS: For the cases with tumor located in third ventricle; frontal transcortical (n=5), pterional transsylvian (n=1), and anterior interhemisferic transcallosal (n=1) approaches were preferred. Stereotactic methods were used in 4 cases with colloid cysts. All 14 cases with tumor located in the lateral ventricles, were treated by the transcortical approach. For one case with high-grade glial tumor, diagnosed by stereotactic biopsy, no surgical intervention was made and only a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was applied.

Total resection was achieved in 76% of cases. Hydrocephalus that needed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting was detected in 4 cases; and subdural collection which also needed shunting was detected in one case. No postoperative convulsion was observed. Fifteen of the patients were discharged from the hospital in good condition; 3 of them died.

CONCLUSION: The principal treatment modality of intraventricular tumors is surgery. The aim of the surgical approach must be total microsurgical resection with the shortest surgical route and minimal damage. Transcortical approach is the preferred surgical route for the treatment of tumors located in the lateral ventricles. Anahtar Kelimeler : Intraventricular tumor, transcortical approach, lateral ventricle, third ventricle