Hydatid Cyst of the Third Ventricle, Managed Successfully using Dowling's Technique

We report a 16-year-old female with a hydatid cyst within the third ventricle who was treated by surgically removing the cyst using Dowling's technique. Via a cortical incision in the left superior parietal lobule, the surgical corridor was made towards the trigone of the left lateral ventricle and the cyst was removed intact by taking advantage of the gravity force and using hydrostatic expulsion. Afterwards, the cyst cavity was irrigated with 3% saline solution. Early postoperative period was uneventful, and her communication and motor abilities improved steadily by rehabilitation program. It can be concluded that with precise planning and using accurate technique, it may be possible to deliver even deep-seated hydatid cysts using Dowling’s technique; however, this conclusion could not be generalized and each individual patients requires a tailored treatment strategy.