Computed tomography-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules: a meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization is standard for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-guided wedge resection of pulmonary nodules (PNs).
• Evaluating the efficacy of CT-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs) is crucial for surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of preoperative CT-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs).

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of studies published up to June 2020 from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
• Random effects modeling was used to pool data from 8 identified studies.
• Stata v12.0 software was utilized for the meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• The analysis included 345 patients with 799 PNs. Pooled technical success rates were 97% for nodules and 92% for patients.
• The overall pooled complication rate was 40%, with significant heterogeneity observed across studies.
• No significant differences in success or complications were found between coil and hook-wire localization methods. High risk of publication bias was noted.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative CT-guided localization appears effective for guiding VATS-guided wedge resection in patients with MPNs.
• The procedure demonstrates high technical success rates, supporting its use in managing multiple pulmonary nodules.