Dual localization technique for thoracoscopic resection of lung lesions in children

Thoracoscopic wedge resection has gained widespread acceptance as a method of resecting pulmonary metastases in pediatric cancer patients. This is most successful for lesions on the pleural surface that can be identified without palpation. Deeper lesions can be marked by preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided techniques, but neither needle localization nor dye injection alone is foolproof. In this paper, we present our experience with a dual localization technique.

Under CT guidance, a 20-G needle is advanced to within 1 cm of the lesion and 0.1 mL of methylene blue: Low osmolar contrast (4:1 ratio) is injected. A Kopans breast biopsy hook wire is then introduced through the needle and its tip placed within the lesion. Its tail is cut flush with the chest wall. The patient is transferred to the operating room, and a wedge resection around the hook wire is performed thoracoscopically.

Six deep pulmonary metastatic lesions were preoperatively localized in 4 pediatric patients (ages, 6-17).Median localization time was 30 minutes. All lesions were successfully marked and identified at operation.Margin-free resection of the lesion was successful in all cases.

Thoracoscopic resection of metastatic pulmonary lesions in children, using preoperative localization with both wire localization and methylene blue/contrast injection, is safe and effective. This method allows the successful localization of lesions, even in the event of either dislodgement of the wire or over infusion of the methylene blue dye.