A Simple and Safe Technique for CT Guided Lung Nodule Marking prior to Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgical Resection Revisited. (22nd October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stephenson, James A.; Mahfouz, Ayman; Rathinam, Sridhar; Nakas, Apostolos; Bajaj, Amrita
• Other Names: Quoix Elisabeth Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Lung cancer international. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-10-22
• Subjects: Lungs -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Lung Neoplasms; Lungs -- Cancer; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.99424
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/235720
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-3197

Abstract

Abstract : Aim . We describe our experience of a simple, safe, and reproducible technique for lung nodule marking prethoracoscopic metastasectomy. Thoracoscopic lung nodule resection reduces patient discomfort, complications, higher level of care, hospital stay, and cost; however, small deeply placed lung nodules are difficult to locate and resect thoracoscopically. Materials and Methods . We describe and review the success of our novel technique, where nodules are identified on a low dose CT and marked with methylene blue using CT fluoroscopy guidance immediately prior to surgery. Results . 30 nodules were marked with a mean size of 8 mm (4–18 mm) located at a mean depth of 17 mm, distributed through both lungs. Dye was detected at the pleural surface in 97% of the patients and at the nodule in 93%. There were no major complications. Thoracoscopic resection was possible in 90%. Conclusion . This is a simple and safe method of lung nodule marking to facilitate thoracoscopic resection in cases where this may not be technically possible due to nodule location.