Preoperative Dye Localization for Thoracoscopic Lung Surgery: Hybrid Versus Computed Tomography Room

Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided dye localization is essential for the surgical treatment of small lung nodules and is mostly performed by radiologists in the CT room. Several studies reported their early experiences of preoperative localization in the hybrid operating room. A comparison between localization in the CT room and hybrid room has not been reported. Therefore, we compared the outcomes of preoperative localization in the hybrid and CT rooms.

This study included patients who underwent preoperative CT-guided dye localization for thoracoscopic lung tumor surgery in the hybrid operation room (n = 25) and CT room (n = 283) at our institute. Propensity matched analysis, incorporating nodule size, number, and depth, and operation method, was used to compare the short-term outcomes of these two groups. Each patient in the hybrid room group was matched with 2 patients in the CT room group.

Localization was successfully performed in 23 patients (92%) and 50 patients (100%) in the hybrid room and CT room groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in demographics between groups. In the hybrid room group, the global time was shorter (192.6 versus 244.1 minutes, p = 0.003), and the localization time was longer (33.1 versus 22.3 minutes, p < 0.001). All lung nodules were successfully resected in both groups, but the hybrid room group had a relatively higher morbidity rate.

The hybrid operating room may be associated with a shorter global time and similar perioperative and postoperative outcomes compared with the CT room. Localization in the hybrid operating room seems an effective alternative method for managing small lung nodules.