Tumours of the third ventricle in children

Experience with 25 cases of tumour of the third ventricle in children is reviewed. The majority of the lesions were infiltrating astrocytomas of the anterior and mid-portions of the third ventricle. These tumours were generally inoperable. However, other tumours within the third ventricle were benign, encapsulated, and resectable. Surgical exposure was carried out through one of three routes: posterior fossa, transcallosal, or subfrontal. The radiological criteria by which the operative approach is determined are discussed.