To describe the far-anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach for the treatment of a central neurocytoma at the roof of the lateral ventricle. In comparison to the view obtained during the usual anterior transcallosal approach, the far-anterior approach allowed for a higher view of the lateral ventricle to be obtained without further injury or retraction of the corpus callous. Two patients with central neurocytoma in the lateral ventricle were treated with the far-anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach. Gross-total resections were achieved in both the patients without any postoperative neurological impairments by only 2-3 cm incisions of the corpus callosum. With the anterior transcallosal approach, which was usually used for the intraventricular tumors, the surgical view was relatively downward into the lateral ventricle and suitable for the resection of the tumors located at the base of the lateral ventricle or even in the third ventricle through the foramen of Monro. However, it was relatively difficult to reach the roof of the lateral ventricle using this approach. In contrast, the surgical corridor of the far-anterior transcallosal approach reaches upward to the roof of the lateral ventricle. The far-anterior transcallosal approach provides an alternative to reach the lesions, especially those located in the upper region of the lateral ventricle near important structures, such as the pyramidal tracts.
Keywords: central neurocytoma; far-anterior interhemispheric transcallosal approach; lateral ventricle.