Comparison of cyanoacrylate and hookwire for localizing small pulmonary nodules: A propensity-matched cohort study

Effects of pregabalin combined with tramadol/paracetamol on acute pain in patients with CT-guided puncture localization of pulmonary nodules

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of pregabalin combined with tramadol/paracetamol on acute pain in patients with CT-guided puncture localization of pulmonary nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized, placebo-controlled and single-center study, 120 patients were allocated randomly to four groups: the control group (Group P), the pregabalin-placebo group (Group BP), the tramadol/paracetamol-placebo group (Group AP), and the pregabalin-tramadol/paracetamol group (Group AB). The primary outcome was the NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) score. Other outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), the incidence of moderate to severe pain, the analgesia recovery ratio, the incidence of adverse drug reactions and patients' satisfaction.

RESULTS

No significant interaction was detected between the interventions (P = 0.752). The NRS score of the Taking pregabalin group and the Taking tramadol/paracetamol group were significantly lower than those of the Not-taking pregabalin group and the Not-taking tramadol/paracetamol group respectively (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in the NRS scores among the four groups (P < 0.001). The NRS score of Group AB was significantly lower than that of Group P (P < 0.001), Group BP (P < 0.001) and Group AP (P = 0.001). At the same time, the NRS scores of Group BP (P < 0.001) and Group AP (P < 0.001) were significantly lower than those of Group P, but there was no significant difference between Group BP and Group AP (P = 1.000). The SBP, DBP, HR, the incidence of moderate to severe pain and the analgesia recovery ratio of Group AB were significantly lower than those of Group P (P < 0.05), while the SpO2 and the number of people who were very satisfied were significantly higher than those of Group P (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug reactions among the four groups (P = 0.272).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination or single use of pregabalin and tramadol/paracetamol can effectively relieve the acute pain after localization. Pregabalin combined with tramadol/paracetamol has the best analgesic effect and significantly reduces the hemodynamic fluctuations, with high safety and low incidence of adverse drug reactions, which has a certain clinical popularization and application value.

The efficacy of nasal administration of esketamine in patients having moderate-to-severe pain after preoperative CT-guided needle localization: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Whether nasal administration of esketamine can provide effective analgesia is unclear in patients with acute pain after preoperative CT-guided needle localization.

Methods

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients were assigned to receive either nasal administration of esketamine (0.3 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg) or saline (identical in appearance to esketamine) when they had visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores >3/10 during deep breathing after preoperative CT-guided needle localization. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with satisfactory pain relief, which was defined as VAS pain scores ≤3/10 measured 15 min after intranasal of esketamine or saline. Secondary outcomes included VAS measured following esketamine or saline, the incidence and cumulative dose of rescue hydromorphone use, and related adverse events.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included in the final analysis. Following intranasal treatment, the percentage of patients with satisfactory pain relief was 16.7% (5/30) in the saline group, 56.7% (17/30) in the 0.3 mg/kg esketamine group, and 53.3% (16/30) in the 0.5 mg/kg esketamine group (p = 0.002). The median VAS during deep breathing was less after the intranasal administration of esketamine {median (IQR), 3 (3, 5) in 0.3 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg esketamine compared to the saline group [5 (4, 6)], p = 0.009}. The incidence of rescue hydromorphone use was detected less in the esketamine group compared to the saline group (43.3% in the 0.3 mg/kg esketamine group, 36.7% in the 0.5 mg/kg esketamine group, and 73.3% in the saline group, p = 0.010). The adverse events were similar among the three groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Intranasal administration of esketamine is easier and more effective in alleviating acute pain in patients after preoperative CT-guided needle localization without significant adverse effects.

CT-guided microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules before VATS: clinical experience in 1059 patients

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS

A total of 1059 consecutive patients with 1331 pulmonary nodules treated between July 2018 and April 2021 were included in this study. Of the 1331 nodules, 1318 were localized using the tailed method and 13 were localized using the non-tailed method. The localization technical success rate and complications of the microcoil localization procedure were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine potential risk factors for technical failure, pneumothorax, and pulmonary hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of the localization procedure was 98.4% (1310/1331 nodules). Nodule location in the lower lobes (p = 0.015) and need for a longer needle path (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of technical failure. All localization procedure-related complications were minor (grade 1 or 2) adverse events, with the exception of one grade 3 complication. The most common complications were pneumothorax (302/1331 nodules [22.7%]) and pulmonary hemorrhage (328/1331 nodules [24.6%]). Male sex (p = 0.001), nodule location in the middle (p = 0.003) and lower lobes (p = 0.025), need for a longer needle path (p < 0.001), use of transfissural puncture (p = 0.042), and simultaneous multiple localizations (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for pneumothorax. Female sex (p = 0.015), younger age (p = 0.023), nodules location in the upper lobes (p = 0.011), and longer needle path (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules before VATS using either the tailed or non-tailed method is effective and safe.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

CT-guided microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules before VATS resection is effective and safe when using either the tailed or non-tailed method. Nodules requiring transfissural puncture and multiple nodules requiring simultaneous localizations can also be successfully localized with this method.

KEY POINTS

• Pre-VATS CT-guided microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules by tailed or non-tailed method was effective and safe. • When the feasible puncture path was beyond the scope of wedge resection, localization could be performed using the non-tailed method. • Although transfissural puncture and simultaneous multiple localization were independent risk factors for pneumothorax, they remained clinically feasible.

Evaluation of pain levels treated by the distal end of the hook-wire positioning needle: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Severe pain can be expected among adult patients undergoing hook-wire CT-guided localization of pulmonary nodules. We compared varying pain degrees between two different treatment techniques.

METHODS

Data from 100 patients who underwent hook-wire puncture localization under preoperative CT between May 2022 and October 2022 were prospectively reviewed. Using the random number table method, the patients were assigned to an observation and control group in a 1:1 ratio. In the observation group (n = 50), the external part of the hook-wire positioning needle was cut off; in the control group (n = 50), the external portion of the needle was bent. Static pain scores were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 30 min, 1, and 2 h post localization for patients.

RESULTS

No significant differences were present between the two groups in terms of patient age, sex, nodule size, and nodule location. The observation group had lower VAS scores at 30 min (2.57 ± 1.38 vs. 3.51 ± 1.87 p = 0.005), 1 h (2.43 ± 1.14 vs. 3.33 ± 1.76 p = 0.003), and 2 h (2.41 ± 1.12 vs. 3.17 ± 1.74 p = 0.011) after localization. Moreover, the pain level did not gradually worsen in either group. Both groups had a 100% localization success rate. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.431) in the localized complication incidences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found both approaches for handling the hook-wire extending outside the chest to be safe and effective. However, cutting off the hook-wire extending outside the chest is associated with lesser pain. Moreover, pain severity does not worsen with time after localization.

Puncture frequency predicts pneumothorax in preoperative computed tomography-guided lung nodule localization for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Background

Iatrogenic pneumothorax is the most frequent complication in preoperative CT‐guided localization (POCTGL) of lung nodules. We aimed to determine the predictive factors of iatrogenic pneumothorax.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive POCTGL procedures in patients who received video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at our hospital between May 2015 and October 2019. All of our patients utilized laser angle guide assembly to aid in the localization procedures.

Results

In 610 consecutive POCTGL procedures, 40 (6.6%) patients developed iatrogenic pneumothorax, and complications occurred in 8.5%. Univariate analyses revealed that puncture frequency, male gender, puncture depth, left decubitus position, and nodule near fissure were factors associated with pneumothorax, while multivariate analysis showed that only male gender (odds ratio 3.58, p = 0.012) and puncture frequency (odds ratio 2.39/time, p = 0.0004) determined development of pneumothorax. Further collective analysis on puncture frequency revealed that tumor in a difficult zone (1.33 ± 0.71 vs. 1.19 ± 0.45, p = 0.002), especially adjacent to the mediastinum (1.41 ± 0.75 vs. 1.21 ± 0.52, p = 0.002), angle difference of plan‐to‐practice (r = 0.209, p = < 0.001), depth to skin (r = 0.152, p < 0.001), and depth to pleura (r = 0.164, p < 0.001) were factors related to increased puncture frequency in univariate analyses. Only angle difference of plan‐to‐practice was associated in multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 1.158, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Puncture frequency was the key factor in the development of iatrogenic pneumothorax from POCTGL. Other associated factors, especially angle difference, may have affected the puncture frequency and subsequently have some influence on the incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax.

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.

Simultaneous preoperative computed tomography-guided microcoil localizations of multiple pulmonary nodules

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate retrospectively the feasibility and safety of simultaneous multiple microcoil localizations of multiple pulmonary nodules prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 288 consecutive patients, who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided microcoil localization and subsequent VATS at our academic hospital between July 2017 and June 2018. Of these patients, 36 with 79 pulmonary nodules undergoing simultaneous multiple microcoil localizations in the ipsilateral lung were designated the multiple localization group; the remaining 252 with 252 pulmonary nodules undergoing single microcoil localization were designated the single localization group. The main outcomes were the technical success and complication rates of the localization procedures. The Student t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for continuous variables. The chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess dichotomous variables.

RESULTS

The localization technical success rates of the multiple and single localization groups were 96.2% (76/79) and 98.0% (247/252), respectively (p = 0.326). The rate of any complication (pneumothorax or pulmonary hemorrhage) was significantly higher in the multiple localization than in the single localization group (55.6% vs 21.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). The incidence of pneumothorax was significantly higher in the multiple localization than in the single localization group (p < 0.001). The difference between the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage in the 2 groups was not significant (p = 0.385).

CONCLUSIONS

Although preoperative CT-guided simultaneous microcoil localizations of multiple pulmonary nodules produced a significantly higher incidence of pneumothorax, the localizations were clinically feasible and safe.

KEY POINTS

• Simultaneous preoperative CT-guided microcoil localizations of multiple pulmonary nodules are clinically feasible and safe. • Simultaneous microcoil localizations of multiple pulmonary nodules produced a significantly higher incidence of pneumothorax.

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.