Preoperative localisation of pulmonary ground-glass opacity using medical adhesive before thoracoscopic resection

Medical adhesive vs hookwire for computed tomography-guided preoperative localization and risk factors of major complications

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of medical adhesive and hookwire as CT-guided non-palpable pulmonary nodule (NPN) localization methods before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection, and determine the risk factors for common complications during localization.

METHODS

This was a single-center non-randomized retrospective study. 102 consecutive patients with 109 NPNs were divided into Group A (medical adhesive, 66 patients, 72 nodules) and Group B (hookwire, 36 patients, 37 nodules) before VATS. Patient- and nodule-based characteristics were compared. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

Localization was successfully performed in all the NPNs. For Group A, the rate of pneumothorax immediately after localization was lower (p = 0.049) and the localization-to-surgery interval was longer (p = 0.011) than Group B. There was no significant difference in rates of hemorrhage after needle withdrawal between the two groups (p = 0.198). Hookwire ( vs medical adhesive) (β = 1.12, p = 0.018), total insertion depth (β = -0.41, p = 0.013), pleura-needle angle (β = -0.04, p = 0.025) and grade of hemorrhage after needle withdrawal (β = -0.96, p = 0.030) were independently associated with pneumothorax, while age (β = -0.94, p = 0.018), tumor size (β = 0.29, p = 0.007) and its distance from the pleural surface (β = 0.14, p = 0.004) were associated with higher grade hemorrhage after needle withdrawal.

CONCLUSION

Compared with hookwire, localization with medical adhesive excelled in lower risk of pneumothorax, a more flexible localization-to-surgery interval, and had similar rates of hemorrhage after needle withdrawal. Hookwire is an independent risk factor of pneumothorax immediately after localization.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study added new clinical evidence to the efficacy of medical adhesive in pre-operative CT-guided NPN localization.

Computed tomography-guided cyanoacrylate injection for localization of multiple ipsilateral lung nodules

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess the clinical effectiveness of CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization for multiple ipsilateral small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and to determine the independent predictors for pneumothorax.

METHODS

In total, 81 patients with 169 lesions undergoing CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization for multiple ipsilateral SPNs between September 2016 and July 2020 were enrolled (group M). Another 284 patients who received single SPN localization during the same period served as the control group (group S). Propensity score analysis was performed to minimize selection bias. Possible independent predictors for pneumothorax were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Multiple ipsilateral SPN localization was successfully performed in all 81 patients. The incidences of successful targeting during localization and surgery were 100% and 98.8%, respectively. Seventy-seven patients (95.1%) underwent the procedure on the day before the surgery. Propensity matching created 81 pairs of patients. There were no significant differences in the incidence of successful targeting during localization and surgery, localization-related pain score, and additional morphine use between the two groups. However, group M was associated with a significant longer localization procedural time (p < 0.001) and a higher incidence of pneumothorax (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, position change was significantly associated with a sevenfold increase in the risk for pneumothorax (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided cyanoacrylate injection for multiple ipsilateral SPN localization was safe and reliable, and allowed a flexible surgical schedule, despite a lengthy procedure and an increased incidence of pneumothorax. Avoiding position change may help to reduce the occurrence of pneumothorax.

KEY POINTS

• Compared to single SPN localization, multiple ipsilateral SPN localization using cyanoacrylate injection achieved comparable safety, reliability, and comfort. • CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization for multiple ipsilateral SPNs allowed a flexible surgical schedule. • Position change was the only independent risk factor for pneumothorax during the multiple ipsilateral SPN localization.

Preoperative computer tomography-guided indocyanine green injection is associated with successful localization of small pulmonary nodules

Background

Localization of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is challenging in minimally invasive pulmonary resection, and it is unknown whether computer tomography (CT) guided by indocyanine green (ICG) can provide accurate localization with minimal complications.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules after CT-guided preoperative localization with ICG from May 2019 to May 2020. Demographics, procedural data, postoperative complications, and pathologic information, were collected, and an analysis of the accuracy and complications after surgery was conducted.

Results

In 471 patients, there was a total of 512 peripheral pulmonary nodules that were ≤2 cm in size. The average time for CT-guided percutaneous ICG injection for localization was 18 minutes, and 98.4% (504/512) of the nodules were successfully localized. The average size of the nodules was 9.1 mm, and the average depth from the pleural surface was 8.9 mm. Overall, 5.9% (28/471) of the patients had asymptomatic pneumothorax after localization, but none needed a tube thoracostomy. All the nodules were resected using video-assisted thoracoscopy technique.

Conclusions

Preoperative CT-guided transthoracic ICG injection is safe and feasible for localization of small lung nodules for minimally invasive pulmonary resection. This technique should be considered for preoperative CT-guided localization of small lung nodules.

A novel technique for preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules using a mixture of tissue adhesive and iohexol under computed tomography guidance: A 140 patient single-center study

Background

The increase in the incidence of pulmonary nodules has made computed tomography (CT) screening a requirement for diagnosis and treatment. Small pulmonary nodule detection during video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy is frequently challenging; however, accurate and efficient localization of nodules is critical for precise resection. Herein, we introduce and evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel technique for preoperative pulmonary nodule localization.

Methods

From March 2018 to December 2019, 140 patients with 153 pulmonary nodules measuring <2 cm in diameter were enrolled in this study. Preoperative, CT‐guided localization was performed on each nodule with an injected mixture of tissue adhesive and iohexol. Patient and nodule characteristics, localization data, complications, surgical data, and pathological results were analyzed.

Results

All 153 nodules in 140 patients were successfully marked preoperatively and detected during surgery (n = 153/153). Mean nodule size was 8.7 ± 2.6 mm, and mean distance from nodule to pleura was 7.9 ± 8.2 mm. The mean procedural time was 8.7 ± 1.0 min. Nine patients (6.4%) underwent two simultaneous nodule localizations and two patients (1.4%) underwent three simultaneous nodule localizations. Pneumothorax (17/140, 12.1%), pain (6/140, 4.3%), and pungent odor (5/140, 3.6%) were the major complications. No patient required further treatment, and no allergic reactions or embolisms were observed.

Conclusions

Preoperative CT‐guided nodule localization using a mixture of tissue adhesive and iohexol is an efficient technique for localizing small and impalpable pulmonary lesions, including multiple pulmonary nodules. Our study demonstrates that this novel method is safe and straightforward to implement.