Preoperative computed tomography-guided coil localization for multiple lung nodules

Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided coil localization can increase the technical success of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-guided diagnostic wedge resection of lung nodules relative to cases treated without localization. When multiple lung nodules (MLNs) are to be resected, preoperative localization for each lung nodule is required. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of preoperative CT-guided coil localization of MLNs.

Between November 2015 and July 2019, 31 patients with MLNs were assessed via CT-guided coil localization followed by VATS-guided wedge resection. Rates of technical success for both the localization and wedge resection procedures, as well as data pertaining to patient complication rates and long-term outcomes were recorded and assessed.

In total, 68 nodules (average of 2.2 nodules/patient) were localized and resected using this approach. Nodules were unilateral and bilateral in 23 and 8 patients, respectively. The rate of CT-guided coil localization technical success for these nodules was 98.5% (67/68), with a technical success rate of single-stage coil localization on a per-patient basis of 96.8% (30/31). Following localization, asymptomatic pneumothorax occurred in four patients (12.9%). The wedge resection technical success rate was 100%. Mean VATS operative time was 167.3 ± 75.2 min, with a mean blood loss of 92.6 ± 61.5 ml. Patients were followed between 3 and 46 months (median: 24 months), with no evidence of new nodules, distant metastases, or postoperative complications in any patients.

Preoperative CT-guided multiple coil localization can be easily and safely used to guide single-stage VATS diagnostic wedge resection in patients with MLNs. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.