Retrospective Review of Preoperative Wire Localization for Peripheral Ground Glass Opacities

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is performed for diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lung nodules. Localization of peripherally located ground-glass opacities (GGOs) can be challenging. We report the results and usefulness of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided wire localization. Records for patients who underwent CT-guided wire localization prior to VATS resection for peripherally located GGOs were analyzed. Our technique for targeting the GGOs, complications, and histopathology of GGOs is reviewed. Forty patients (mean age 68 years) underwent pulmonary resections following CT-guided wire localization. The mean diameter of the GGO was 11.0 mm. The mean distance from the pleural surface to the peripheral margin of the GGO was 18.6 mm. Complications from the wire localization included pneumothorax in 5 patients (12.5%), none of whom required insertion of a chest tube; parenchymal hemorrhage in 3 patients (7.5%); and pleural effusion requiring chest tube drainage (unrelated to the wire) in 1 patient (2.5%). The mean operative time was 74 (range: 21-186 ) minutes. Pathological examination revealed lung malignancy in 36 patients (90%). The diagnostic yield was 100%. Preoperative CT-guided wire localization for solitary or multiple peripherally located GGOs allows for determination of histopathologic diagnosis and high diagnostic yield.