Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
CT-guided Preoperative Localization of Pulmonary Nodules Using a Glucose Test and Tissue Adhesive
Published on: January 30, 2026
Targeting Pulmonary Nodules Prior to Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Comparison of Two Different Techniques
Geraud Galvaing1, Yann Barthelemy2, Julien Brehant3
1Department of Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer de la Région Auvergne: Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand 63000, France.
Objectives:
The increasing use of CT imaging and the implementation of lung cancer screening have led to a rising detection of pulmonary nodules. Accurate management requires reliable localization techniques enabling pathological diagnosis and potential curative resection. This study compared hook-wire localization and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided detection in terms of diagnostic yield.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed in 2 French academic centres, including 260 patients with 266 nodules (January 2012-May 2019). The primary end-point was diagnostic yield, defined as the proportion of successfully localized nodules. Secondary end-points included localization and operative times, peri- and postoperative complications, chest tube duration, and hospital stay.
Results:
Diagnostic yield was 88.0% with hook-wire localization and 96.9% with CBCT, corresponding to an absolute difference of 8.9% (95% CI, -0.2 to 17.9; P = .053). Complication rates (P = .63), drainage duration (P = .13), and hospital stay (P = .16) did not differ between groups. Operative time (P = .042) and localization time (P = .001) were significantly longer with CBCT and hook-wire, respectively.
Conclusions:
Hook-wire and CBCT localization demonstrated comparable diagnostic yields and acceptable safety profiles. CBCT required longer operative room utilization, whereas hook-wire placement was performed in the radiology department, saving resources for other surgeries.
