Video-assisted atypical resection of peripheral lung nodules localized using CT-guided wires. First clinical experiences

One of the reasons for the rapidly expanding use of thoracoscopic surgery as an alternative to thoracotomy, is the excision of peripheral lung nodules. Nodules judged too small or too far from the pleural surface to be seen during thoracoscopy, must be localized beforehand. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of percutaneous placement of needle hook-wires to locate such nodules before surgery. Under Ct guidance 5 nodules were pre-operatively identified in 4 patients. The thoracoscopic resection of the lesions was done without complication, in 1 patient the operation had to be converted into an open one to dislodge of the wire. CT-guided hook-wire localization is easily and safely performed and permits thoracoscopic resection of lung nodules, which otherwise might be impossible.