A safe and novel method for video-assisted thoracic surgery preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules by using ZT medical glue (2-octyl cyanoacrylate).

BACKGROUND: Accurate and fast localization of small pulmonary nodules is required for local pulmonary resection. In this study, we introduced and assessed a novel technique for the preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules by using ZT medical glue (2-octyl cyanoacrylate).

METHODS: 101 patients who had a combined total of 106 small pulmonary nodules located by ZT glue and 53patients with 53 small pulmonary nodules located by hookwire were selected. Guided by computed tomography (CT), the surgeon injected certain volume ZT glue into an area adjacent to the small pulmonary nodule, then, the adjacent lung tissue infiltrated by ZT glue formed into a depressed hard nodule which can be used for preoperative localization with an obvious mark on lung surface or different hand touch. After localization, Wedge resection was performed via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and the specimen obtained from the procedure was immediately sent for pathological examination, followed by a standard surgical procedure. A contrast has been made between the ZT glue method and the hookwire.

RESULTS: 101 operations were successfully performed by using this novel technique, and 106 small pulmonary nodules were successfully located. Compared with the hookwire location, ZT glue method obviouslyextended the Time interval between localization and operation (P = 0.00) and a same complication rate (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS: The use of ZT glue is a safe and effective method for the localization of small pulmonary nodules.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the ethics committee of Shaoxing People's Hospital (Number:2016-004, Date:2016,2,24), and informed consent was obtained from all enrolled patients.