Computed Tomography-Guided Localization Before Thoracoscopic Surgery for Pulmonary Nodules
Main Article Content
Abstract
With periodic health examinations, especially screening by low-dose computed tomography (CT) of the lungs, many
patients with lung cancer or small pulmonary nodules are detected at an early stage. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic method that has been widely applied for resectable pulmonary nodules. However, small and deeply located nodules, as well as ground-glass and part-solid nodules, remain challenging for surgeons. At present, many preoperative and intraoperative methods have been developed to facilitate pulmonary nodule localization during surgery. Preoperative methods used to identify the location of pulmonary nodules include injection of dye markers, radioactive seeds, placement of metallic coils, and placement of hook-wire localization needles. We have performed CT-guided hook-wire localization to help identify the location and accurately resect pulmonary nodules. After pulmonary nodule localization, patients must limit movement to avoid displacement of the nodule localization site, which may increase the failure rate of surgery, while also limiting complications such as pneumothorax, pain at the needle site, or pulmonary hemorrhage. Despite certain limitations, the benefits
of CT-guided pulmonary nodule localization are still considered to outweigh its risks. This article aims to introduce CT-guided pulmonary nodule localization methods, together with their effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages.
Keywords
pulmonary nodule, preoperative localization
Article Details
References
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