[Preoperative Computed Tomography-guided Microcoil Localization for Multiple Small Lung Nodules before Video-assisted...

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Minimally invasive resection of multiple small lung nodules presents localization challenges.
• Limited clinical research exists on preoperative localization strategies for multiple small lung nodules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy of preoperative computed tomography (CT) guided microcoil localization for multiple small lung nodules.
• To compare this technique with localization for single small lung nodules prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 235 patients undergoing preoperative pulmonary nodule microcoil localization.
• Patients were categorized into single (184 cases) and multiple (51 cases) nodule groups.
• Multiple nodules were localized in batches using CT-guided microcoils before VATS.

Main Results:

• Localization success rates were comparable between multiple (90.2%) and single (94.6%) nodule groups (P=0.205).
• Pneumothorax rates did not significantly differ (21.6% vs 14.1%, P=0.179).
• Operation time was significantly longer for multiple nodules (30.6±6.6 min) versus single nodules (19.9±7.4 min, P=0.000).
• No serious complications or conversion to thoracotomy occurred. Sub-lobectomy was common, with most pathologies being non-invasive carcinomas.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative CT-guided microcoil localization in batches is a safe and effective strategy for multiple small lung nodules before VATS.
• This technique is recommended for promoting minimally invasive resection of multiple pulmonary nodules.