Computed tomography-guided coil localization for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of sub-solid lung nodules: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Wedge resection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is the best choice for the diagnosis of sub-solid lung nodules. Preoperative localization is utilized to increase the success rate of this procedure. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative coil localization in VATS wedge resection for sub-solid lung nodules.

METHODS

From October 2015 to August 2018, 42 patients with 55 sub-solid lung nodules underwent computed tomography-guided coil localization with subsequent VATS wedge resection in our centre. Data regarding visible coil rates, technical success of the wedge resection and pathological results were collected and analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 55 sub-solid lung nodules were localized in 42 patients. Thirty-three patients had one nodule and nine patients had multiple nodules. Fifty-two coils (52/55, 94.5%) were visible during the VATS. The mean duration of each coil localization was 14.3 ± 4.8 min (range 7-40 min). Three patients (7%) experienced pneumothorax after coil localization. VATS wedge resection was successfully performed for 53 nodules (53/55, 96.4%). The remaining two nodules were treated directly with lobectomy. The nine patients who had multiple nodules underwent one-stage VATS wedge resection of all nodules. The mean duration of the VATS in the 42 patients was 159.3 ± 83.4 min (range 60-360 min) while the mean blood loss was 119.3 ± 115.3 mL (range 10-700 mL).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative computed tomography-guided coil localization is a safe and effective method to facilitate high success rates for diagnostic VATS wedge resection for sub-solid nodules.