Lateral ventricle subependymoma resected with a transcallosal approach: illustrative case

BACKGROUND Subependymomas are World Health Organization grade I tumors, and 30% occur in the lateral ventricles. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, and the transcallosal or transcortical/transsulcal approaches are preferred for those tumors occurring near the foramen of Monro or atrium. Visualization, proximity to the fornix and basal ganglia, hydrocephalus, and brain retraction during surgery make these operations challenging. The authors present the case of a 65-year-old male with a subependymoma located in the left lateral ventricle. The tumor was completely resected using an interhemispheric/transcallosal approach. OBSERVATIONS The authors analyze the anatomopathological features of subependymoma, along with the clinical behavior and therapeutic options. The authors discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the interhemispheric/transcallosal approach for resection of these tumors. LESSONS Subependymomas are slow-growing lesions with an indolent yet complicated course making surgical removal challenging yet feasible using the correct techniques. The interhemispheric transcallosal approach offers an excellent route for the resection of large subependymomas, but there is still a significant risk for postoperative complications.