Skin marking with computed tomography at functional residual capacity to predict lung nodule site

Various marking techniques for lung nodules may be complex and can cause serious complications. In this study, we aimed to describe and evaluate the feasibility of CTFRC marking, a novel preoperative skin marking technique guided by computed tomography (CT) at functional residual capacity (FRC). This simple and non-invasive marking technique only requires a preoperative CT scan without any anaesthesia. We retrospectively reviewed CTFRC markings performed for 109 lung nodules in 108 patients. The mean nodule size was 11.4 ± 5.0 mm. The mean distance from the nodule to the lung marking point was 3.8 ± 7.3 mm. We found no procedure-associated complications. CTFRC marking is a simple, safe and non-invasive method to predict the precise location of lung nodules during thoracoscopic surgery.