Preoperative computed tomography-guided localization for lung nodules: localization needle versus coil

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the clinical efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization needle and coil insertion as approaches to preoperative lung nodule (LN) localization.

Material and methods: Between January 2018 and December 2019, 52 patients awaiting video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection underwent CT-guided coil insertion to facilitate LN localization. Additionally, 41 patients underwent CT-guided localization needle insertion between January and June 2021.

Results: In total, 62 and 54 LNs were localized in 52 and 41 patients in the coil and localization needle groups, respectively, with respective technical localization success rates of 96.8% and 100% (p = .498). The localization needle group exhibited a significantly shorter duration of localization relative to the coil group (p < .001), whereas comparable rates of pneumothorax (p = .918) and hemorrhage (p = .712) were evident in these groups. VATS-guided LN resection procedures achieved 100% technical success rates in both groups, and there were no significant differences between groups with respect to the type of resection (p = .113) or the mean duration of VATS (p = .778).

Conclusion: Coil- and localization needle-based approaches can be successfully used for LN localization prior to VATS resection, with localization needle insertion being associated with a shorter duration of localization.

Keywords: Computed tomography; coil; localization needle; lung nodule.