Preoperative computed tomography-guided localization for multiple lung nodules: a Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: Approximately 20% of patients with lung nodules (LNs) have multiple LNs (MLNs). This meta-analysis was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization of MLNs in comparison with those of single LN (SLN) localization.

Material and methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to collect relevant articles published till February 2022. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan v5.3.

Results: In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. No significant difference was observed between patients with MLNs and SLN in terms of pooled successful localization rate based on LNs (p = 0.64) and patients (p = 0.06). The pooled duration of localization was significantly shorter and the pooled pneumothorax and lung hemorrhage rates were significantly lower in the SLN group than in the MLNs group (p < 0.00001 for all). The pooled duration of hospital stay was comparable between the MLNs and SLN groups (p = 0.96). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the endpoints of duration of localization (I² = 75%) and pneumothorax (I² = 53%).

Conclusions: CT-guided simultaneous MLN localization is clinically safe and effective, despite requiring a longer procedural time and having higher incidence of pneumothorax and lung hemorrhage than SLN localization.

Keywords: Localization; multiple lung nodules; single lung nodules.