Introduction: Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization can shorten the time of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and accurately aid in pulmonary nodule removal.
Aim: To discuss the application value and safety of 2 kinds of breast localization needles and anchor localization needles in clinical practice for pulmonary nodules under CT guidance before VATS.
Material and methods: We retrospectively studied 215 patients with 247 pulmonary nodules, who underwent CT-guided pulmonary nodule location before VATS. The 2 kinds of localization needles were randomly used, and we collected and analysed the clinical data.
Results: We used breast and anchor localization needles in 27.9% and 72.1% of cases, respectively. Differences were observed in puncture localization time, detachment rate, and visual analogue scale (VAS). The detachment rate (0%) and positioning time (median: 12 min) were less in the anchor than in the breast localization needle group (8.7% and median: 13 min, respectively). The median VAS was approximately 2 and 5 in the anchor and breast localization needle groups, respectively. Surgical pathology revealed that 155 (62.8%) pulmonary nodules were malignant while 92 (37.2%) were benign. The primary distinction in surgical procedures is the higher proportion of segmental resections in the middle and inner band group (19.3%) compared to the periphery band group (4.2%).
Conclusions: Unlike breast localization needles, anchor localization needles can reduce pain and discomfort after positioning, and they are not easy to decouple. These 2 needles are safe for CT-guided localization, which can shorten the time of VATS and accurately aid in pulmonary nodule removal.
Keywords: localization needles; lung adenocarcinoma; pulmonary nodules; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
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