Microsurgical versus endoscopic resection for paediatric colloid cysts: a meta-analysis of surgical outcomes

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are rare intracranial lesions, particularly uncommon in pediatric populations. Precise incidence figures in children remain uncertain, with existing data primarily derived from isolated case reports and limited case series. Pediatric colloid cysts generally present with a more aggressive clinical course, including hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure ICP, and even sudden death. Despite the low incidence, the high risk of life-threatening complications often necessitates surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus in the literature on the optimal surgical treatment for pediatric CCs, with microsurgical resection and endoscopic removal being the most commonly utilized methods. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of microsurgical and endoscopic approaches for treating pediatric colloid cysts, focusing on surgical outcomes such as gross total resection (GTR), capsule removal, postoperative complications, the need for ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, and recurrence rates.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies published between 2000 and Dicember 2024 on paediatric patients with colloid cysts. Statistical comparisons between the two surgical approaches were made based on key outcomes.

Fifteen studies, comprising 249 pediatric cases, were included. The results showed no significant difference between the microsurgical and endoscopic approaches in terms of hydrocephalus at presentation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9, p = 0.92), achieving GTR (OR = 0.9, p = 0.61) or capsule removal (OR = 0.9, p = 0.62). However, the microsurgical approach was associated with a significantly higher rate of postoperative complications (OR = 2.44, p = 0.01) and a higher likelihood of requiring a VP shunt (OR = 3.53, p = 0.04) compared to the endoscopic approach. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between the two approaches (OR = 2.14, p = 0.37).

Both microsurgical and endoscopic approaches achieve similar rates of GTR and capsule removal. However, the endoscopic approach is associated with fewer postoperative complications and a lower need for VP shunting. We believe that endoscopic resection of colloid cysts, when performed by an experienced neuroendoscopist, should be considered the standard approach for treating these lesions in the paediatric population. The investigation followed a prespecified protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251018505).