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Removal of a colloid cyst
CRAINOTOMY TO REMOVE A COLLOID CYST
A colloid cyst can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain's ventricular system
What is a colloid cyst?
Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that supports and protects the brain and spinal cord.
It is produced within the brain, and normally flows freely through fluid pathways in the brain, exiting the base of the brain and entering the space around the spinal cord and brain surface.
Sometimes, a colloid cyst (a thin layer of cells producing a sac of gelatinous fluid — ‘colloid’) can form in the brain and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. If this happens, our neurosurgeons can remove the cyst.
Need to know
If you've been diagnosed with a colloid cyst, your HCA Healthcare UK consultant neurosurgeon will explain your treatment options to you.
The traditional method for treating a colloid cyst is a craniotomy (open brain surgery). It involves making a small opening in your skull and removing the cyst.
Alternatively, a colloid cyst can be removed by a minimally-invasive procedure using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a small camera). Your neurosurgeon will make a small hole in the skull, before gently inserting an endoscope into it. They'll then locate the cyst and remove it, allowing the free flow of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain.
Your neurosurgeon will explain your colloid cyst removal to you and answer any questions you might have. Because you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery. You may also be asked to attend a nurse led pre assessment clinic.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After your craniotomy you'll be transferred to our recovery ward, where you’ll be looked after by a specialist team. Your neurosurgeon will explain your recovery time to you and when you can expect to get back to your usual routine.
Our Removal of a colloid cyst consultants
Mr Christopher Chandler
Neurosurgery
Mr Neil Dorward
Neurosurgery
Mr David Bell
Neurosurgery
Mr Francesco Vergani
Neurosurgery
Our Removal of a colloid cyst locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Patient stories
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Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.